THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL

Our antepost expert John Arnold looks ahead to one of York's showpiece races of the year with the prestigious Group 1 Juddmonte International. Here's his breakdown for the 2026 renewal.

History:

The Juddmonte International Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race held annually at York. Established in 1972, the race is named in honor of the Juddmonte Farms breeding operation, founded by the late Prince Khalid Abdullah. Originally run over a distance of one and a half miles, the race has evolved over the years and is now contested over a distance of one mile and two furlongs. It quickly garnered a reputation as one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, attracting the best middle-distance horses from around the globe.

Since its inception, the Juddmonte International has witnessed the victories of many legendary racehorses, including the likes of Mill Reef, who secured a memorable triumph in 1971, and more recently, stars such as Frankel and Enable. 

Trends:

Age- 8 of the last 12 winners were aged 4 or older, 5 of last 12 were aged 3

Price- 7/12 winners were favourites, 10/12 winners in top three of the betting

Last Run- 9/12 winners won on last run before the race

4/12 winners ran in the Eclipse on last run, 3 of the 3 won, 0 placed

2/12 winners ran in the King George and QE Stakes on the last run 0 of 2 won, 2 placed

Course Form- 3/12 winners had 1 previous run at York, 2/12 winners had one previous at York

Distance Form- 10/12 winners had one run over 10/11 furlongs

Rating- 10/12 winners had a rating of 120 or higher  

Contenders:

Statistically runners from Royal Ascot and Sandown head to York in August to contest this highly sought after prize. OMBUDSMAN for many is currently rated as the leading flat horse in Europe his Ascot win with a storming performance showed his class. I believe Gosden's colt will be ridden positively making use of the long galloping straight at York. CONSTITUTION RIVER swerved the Epsom Derby but showed his prowess winning the French version instead and then went to the Eclipse in Surrey and made light work of a small but select field. The Wootton Bassett colt took the field apart comfortably. At York going left handed on a flat track will take him back to similar courses he's triumphed on in Ireland and Chester. The opportunity on a wide galloping course I think Moore will set sail and test the stamina of the field and favourite and look to gallop the rest away. Of the rest of the field I doubt DIAMOND NECKLACE will take part but she has been incredibly striking this season at the highest level for Balldoyle. CALANDAGAN if participating should gallop on but i would suggest that is behind the two highlighted contenders. Placed in high class fields this season he can return value for the places. 

OMBUDSMAN (WIN) CONSTITUTION RIVER (E/W) written by John Arnold