Recent British Champion Stakes (G1) winner Ombudsman will not race in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Oct. 31 at Keeneland, according to a post on X from racing reporter Nick Luck.
That is a change of plans from earlier this week when it was reported Ombudsman would travel to Kentucky for his first start in North America.
Co-trainer John Gosden told Racing Post Oct. 21 that the Japan Cup (G1T) in late November will be a possibility for Godolphin's Ombudsman.
"I can confirm Ombudsman will not be heading to the Breeders' Cup," Gosden told Racing Post. "The simple reason is he only ran four days ago and to breeze him and then put him on a plane is a bit much. The Japan Cup is under consideration."
Ombudsman, who currently rates second on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, captured the Champion Stakes Oct. 17 at Ascot Racecourse.
With William Buick up, the 5-year-old son of Night of Thunder posted a 3 3/4-length victory over six-time group 1 winner Calandagan in the Champion, marking his fifth group 1 score overall and third this season. The other 2026 top-level wins for Ombudsman include the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at the Royal Ascot meeting and the Dubai Turf (G1T) at Meydan Racecourse. For the season, Ombudsman boasts a 4-0-0 record from five starts—all group stakes.
Before this season, Ombudsman scored two group 1 wins in 2025: the International Stakes (G1) and the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
