In a stunning turn of events, the horse racing world has been rocked by the unexpected decision of master trainer John Gosden, in partnership with his son Thady, to withdraw their superstar colt Ombudsman from the highly anticipated Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 13. The announcement, made on September 3, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the betting markets, with the ‘PICK’ odds for the race plummeting to historic lows as punters scramble to adjust their expectations for the Group 1 showdown. This move has not only denied fans a third thrilling clash between Ombudsman and Aidan O’Brien’s formidable Delacroix but has also reshaped the narrative of the Irish Champion Stakes, leaving Delacroix as the overwhelming favorite.

Ombudsman, the son of Night Of Thunder, has been a standout performer for Godolphin this season, boasting an impressive record of six victories from eight starts. His campaign has been marked by two significant Group 1 triumphs: a commanding win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and a breathtaking performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, where he reversed a narrow defeat to Delacroix in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The Juddmonte victory, rated at 128 by BHA handicappers, showcased Ombudsman’s exceptional turn of foot, as he surged three and a half lengths clear of Delacroix, cementing his status as one of Europe’s premier middle-distance horses. The prospect of a decisive rematch at Leopardstown had racing fans and bettors buzzing with excitement, with the scoreline between the two colts standing at one-all.

However, Gosden’s decision to bypass the Irish Champion Stakes has dashed hopes of an immediate rematch. Citing the colt’s intensive racing schedule since February, which included high-stakes contests in May, June, July, and August, Gosden emphasized the need to freshen Ombudsman for a demanding autumn campaign. “It would not be in the best interests of Ombudsman to race in September nor would the horse appreciate running against multiple entries from one stable on a track with a short straight,” Gosden stated, referencing Leopardstown’s configuration and Aidan O’Brien’s likely tactic of deploying multiple runners, including a pacemaker, to control the race’s tempo. This strategic withdrawal has shifted Ombudsman’s focus to the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 18, with potential trips to the Breeders’ Cup and Japan Cup later in the season.

The betting markets have reacted swiftly to the news. Prior to the announcement, Paddy Power listed Ombudsman as the 7-4 favorite for the Irish Champion Stakes, with Delacroix close behind at 11-4. Following the withdrawal, Delacroix’s odds have collapsed to 4-5, with some bookmakers, such as bet365, quoting him as short as 5/6. This dramatic slump reflects the market’s belief that Delacroix, who has won both his starts at Leopardstown this season, now faces significantly reduced competition. Other contenders, such as Shin Emperor and Zahrann, remain in the mix at 4-1 and 11-2 respectively, but the absence of Ombudsman has left a void in the race’s appeal and competitiveness.

Aidan O’Brien, Delacroix’s trainer, had been vocal about his desire for a third showdown, promising a relentless pace to test both horses’ mettle. Speaking at a press morning at Ballydoyle, O’Brien had urged the Gosden team to bring Ombudsman to Ireland, even suggesting that jockey Christophe Soumillon could ride Delacroix in the absence of the injured Ryan Moore. However, with Ombudsman sidelined, O’Brien now has a golden opportunity to extend his remarkable record in the Irish Champion Stakes, having won the race 12 times since 2000, including five consecutive victories from 2019 to 2023.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among racing enthusiasts. Some applaud Gosden’s cautious approach, prioritizing Ombudsman’s long-term health and prospects in prestigious international races. Others, however, lament the missed opportunity for a defining clash that could have settled the rivalry between two of the sport’s brightest stars. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one user describing the withdrawal as a blow that made the Irish Champion Stakes “lose so much appeal.” As the racing world turns its attention to Ascot and beyond, the question remains whether Ombudsman and Delacroix will cross paths again, or if their rivalry will be left tantalizingly unresolved. For now, Gosden’s bold move has reshaped the narrative of the 2025 season, leaving Delacroix to dominate the spotlight in Ireland while Ombudsman prepares for his next global challenge.