OMBUDSMAN TO BOW OUT IN JAPAN CUP BEFORE KILDANGAN STUD CAREER

Ombudsman will make the final appearance of his career in the Japan Cup in Tokyo on November 29, after which the Godolphin star retires to begin stallion duties at Darley's Kildangan Stud in County Kildare in 2027.

The five-time Group One winner, trained by John and Thady Gosden, skipped the Breeders' Cup and now heads to Japan for one last big-race assignment. It will also be the first time he has tackled a mile and a half, adding an intriguing new question to a farewell that already carries plenty of weight.

A CAREER AMONG THE ELITE

Ombudsman's top-level haul includes the Juddmonte International, the Champion Stakes and back-to-back victories in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, making him the first horse in 30 years to win that race in successive seasons. He was rated 131 in the World Thoroughbred Rankings published in early October, second only to Hong Kong sprint star Ka Ying Rising, and that mark is expected to rise when the updated list appears on Thursday.

Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson confirmed the plan to the Press Association, describing the son of Night Of Thunder as one of the operation's best.

STUD FEE CONFIRMED

Darley has listed Ombudsman as a new addition to its Kildangan roster for 2027 at a fee of €45,000. He will stand alongside his sire, Night Of Thunder, at the Irish base.

Sam Bullard, Darley's director of stallions, said in a statement that Ombudsman had given Godolphin "some truly memorable days on the racecourse".

A RARE BRITISH CHANCE IN TOKYO

Victory would make Ombudsman the first British-trained winner of the race since Alkaased 21 years ago. He could face Calandagan, the defending champion.

Whatever happens at Tokyo, Ombudsman bows out as one of the outstanding middle-distance horses of his generation, and his first crop will be eagerly awaited.