Ombudsman leads Godolphin Ascot treble as Almeraq wins the sprint
Ombudsman wins the Champion Stakes, with Talk Of New York and Fifth Column completing Godolphin’s treble; Almeraq wins for Shadwell.
Ascot staged seven races on Saturday 17 October 2026 for Qatar Racing British Champions Day. Godolphin and jockey William Buick won three races, including the Group 1 Champion Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. In the six-furlong Group 1 sprint, Almeraq won for Shadwell.
The day’s defining result came when Ombudsman reversed last year’s Champion Stakes placing against Calandagan. He travelled just behind the leaders before quickening clear by three and three-quarter lengths. Godolphin’s other winners were Talk Of New York in the Group 1 mile and Fifth Column in the final handicap.
Champion Stakes: Ombudsman ahead of Calandagan
William Buick rode Ombudsman to victory for John and Thady Gosden in the Group 1 Qatar Racing Champion Stakes over 1 mile, 1 furlong and 212 yards on good turf. Calandagan finished second and Bay City Roller third; the margin to second was three and three-quarter lengths.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: Talk Of New York
Talk Of New York earned his first Group 1 for Godolphin, Charlie Appleby and William Buick over a mile. Ten Bob Tony finished a length and a quarter behind in second, with Rayif another neck back in third. The winner moved through the field in the straight and sustained his run.
Champions Sprint: Almeraq wins for Shadwell
Shadwell’s Almeraq, trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand, won the Group 1 Champions Sprint over six furlongs on good turf in 1:12.20. He beat Wathnan Racing’s Paborus by a neck, with Division third. It was his third Group 1 victory of the season.
Fifth Column completes Godolphin’s treble
Fifth Column won the concluding one-mile Balmoral Handicap for Godolphin, William Buick and John and Thady Gosden. Indalo finished second by three-quarters of a length, followed by Ebt’s Guard. It completed the owner-and-jockey treble; the Balmoral Handicap is not a Group 1 race.