Ombudsman maintained his unbeaten streak with a commanding performance in the Prix du Prince d’Orange at ParisLongchamp.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Ombudsman followed up his Listed victory at Deauville last month with a notable win in this Group Three race, surviving a steward’s inquiry to extend his perfect record to four wins from four starts.
As the heavy favourite, Ombudsman was expected to win, and despite a moment where William Buick seemed trapped in traffic, the colt surged to the front once he found a clear path.
Buick commented, "The slow pace didn’t suit him today, and I was initially boxed in. Fortunately, the gap opened up in the straight, allowing him to move forward. He prefers a faster tempo where he can quicken. Today, he didn’t get the chance to showcase his best qualities, and the tacky ground didn’t help. He looked a bit green and surprised a few times, but he was clearly the best horse in the race and still has plenty to learn. He’s improved with every race, having taken on some solid competitors with Prix du Jockey Club form. We’re very pleased with him, and there’s more to come. John and Thady will decide his next steps, but it’s exciting to think he’ll be around next year. He’s four out of four, which is impressive, and we hope he’s on a trajectory towards Group One success."
In other British success, Jack Channon’s Certain Lad secured his first Group-race victory in La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte. After earlier wins, including the Grand Prix de Compiègne, Certain Lad had come close in recent races but showed determination to claim Group Three glory under George Bass. He may now head back across the Channel for the Prix Dollar on Arc weekend.
Channon shared with Sky Sports Racing, "Certain Lad can be a bit difficult before the race, requiring the old tricks of a quick lap in the paddock before heading to the track. He’s been a great horse for us for many years, loves soft ground, and deserved this win after narrowly missing out in recent races. This year he’s been better than ever, and we hope he continues this form. Securing a Group race victory has been a goal all year, and it’s special with this horse, who was one of the first I managed independently of my father. I’m thrilled for George and grateful to owner Chris Hirst for the opportunity."
Channon continued, "He thrives on soft ground, although he performed well on good ground too. Given his past issues, I prefer to run him on soft. We’re aiming for the Prix Dollar on October 5, where he’ll face similar competition."
Meanwhile, Christopher Head’s Houquetot secured a place in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere with a win in the Prix La Rochette. Additionally, André Fabre followed up his Prix du Moulin victory by saddling Sevenna’s Knight to win the Prix Gladiateur, defeating Dermot Weld-trained favourite Harbour Wind.