Ombudsman's last race: Godolphin star heads to Tokyo for the Japan Cup

One of Britain's best racehorses is about to sign off in Japan. Ombudsman, the Godolphin star, will run in the Japan Cup in Tokyo on November 29, then retire.

Trainer John Gosden has confirmed the plan. It's one last big day for a horse who has already made history for his owners.

What happened?

Ombudsman is owned by Godolphin, the racing operation of Sheikh Mohammed. He won the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June for the second year running. In October he added the Champion Stakes at Ascot, beating Calandagan.

After that win, joint-trainers John and Thady Gosden decided against sending him to the Breeders' Cup (a big international meeting in the US). Tokyo is the plan instead.

The Japan Cup will also be a first for him: he will run over a mile and a half for the first time. After it, he heads to Darley's Kildangan Stud in Ireland, where he will start stallion duties in 2027.

Why is everyone talking about it?

Because there's plenty on the line. Calandagan, the defending Japan Cup champion, is likely to line up again. Ombudsman is a five-time Group One winner, and a British-trained winner would be the first since Alkaased 21 years ago.

He is also eligible for a $5 million bonus after his Ascot win. And no horse has ever won the Japan Cup in Godolphin's colours. Singspiel won it in 1996 for Sheikh Mohammed, but not in those silks.

Godolphin's managing director Hugh Anderson says the legacy is secure either way. "Ombudsman is one of the best because of the quality of the Group Ones he has won," he said. He pointed to two Prince of Wales's Stakes, the Juddmonte International Stakes and the Champion Stakes.

It has been a good autumn for the team. Sovereignty won the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland, adding it to his Kentucky Derby win.

What's next?

Once the Japan Cup is over, Ombudsman's racing days are done. Anderson says the year is "ending strongly" and he is "very optimistic about 2027".

He named Talk Of New York, who won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Opera Ballo among the horses to carry the team forward. Notable Speech is also moving off the roster alongside Ombudsman.