Ascot Hero Ombudsman Set for Eclipse Showdown

Royally victorious Ombudsman is poised to take center stage in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, with an impressive lineup of five rivals ready to challenge the classy four-year-old.

Key Facts

• Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
• Time: 3:35 PM BST
• Venue: Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey
• Distance: 1m 1f (1,600m)
• Prize money: £1 million

The Contenders

Ombudsman, trained by David O’Hare, has only one defeat from six starts, a narrow loss to Almaqam in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes earlier this season. He heads an impressive field featuring:

1. Sosie: A progressive four-year-old trained byseasoned handler John Gosden. Held by a head by Ombudsman last time; promising.
2. Camille Pissarro & Delacroix: Aidan O’Brien’s Classic contenders, looking to make their mark at the highest level. The latter is Ryan Moore’s choice for the Derby.
3. Ruling Court & Hotazhell: Classic generation competitors, both with notable performances to their credit. Ruling Court took the 2,000 Guineas, while Hotazhell has been looking threatening in his starts.

Ground Concerns

Almaqam, a withdrawal from the race, had concerns about the drying ground earlier in the week. However, with the going described as good to firm, suitable watering is set to continue, addressing jockey Oisin Murphy’s switch to Ruling Court and William Buick taking over mount on Ombudsman.

Market Moves & Betting

Ombudsman has been the pick of punters, backed in to even-money from 6-5 with sponsors Coral. Sosie is next in the market at 9-2, with Delacroix the shortest of the Classic generation at 11-2.

Expert Thoughts

“”Ombudsman has been by far the best-backed contender. He’s now odds-on and could well start shorter on Saturday,”” said David Stevens, Coral’s spokesman.

Did you know?

The Coral-Eclipse is the richest mile and a quarter race in the UK, with £1 million in prize money.

Pro tip

Keep an eye on the ground updates; suitable watering may sway the contest in favor of horses comfortable on less firm going.

Read Next

Ombudsman’s Pedigree

Ombudsman’s return to the scene of his last defeat promises a fascinating clash. Can the royal winner repel the Classic challenge and rule the Eclipse?

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