Star Metro - 'Special' Ombudsman storms to victory in Champion Stakes

Ombudsman secured his fifth Group One victory, beating Calandagan by three and three quarter lengths, in front of packed stands at Ascot on British Champions Day.

Bay City Roller followed up his fine second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe a fortnight ago to finish third.

"It was a special performance from a special horse," said John Gosden, who trains Ombudsman with his son Thady.

For jockey William Buick it completed a double on the day but there was no question which of the two winners meant the most to him.

"He really is outstanding," said Buick. "He's the kind of horse who really gets your heart beating!"

Aidan O'Brien rarely leaves Ascot without a major win under his belt and his tough as teak filly Minnie Hauk provided him with one as she won the Group One British Champions Mares and Fillies Stakes.

It was a welcome return to form for her as she had struggled this season after a stellar campaign last year in which she just lost out to Daryz in a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

However, she was a distant 10th as Daryz stormed to a second Arc triumph a fortnight ago.

"She's performed the best she has all year -– a great effort just 13 days on from the Arc," said winning jockey Ryan Moore.

"A few things haven't gone right all year, but she did everything lovely today.

"She had more class than them today."

- 'Bad fall' -

Moore's smile was replaced by a frown half an hour later as favourite Gstaad ran no sort of race to finish eighth in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The Buick-ridden Talk of New York, trained by Charlie Appleby, took the honours.

"He's a very smart horse -- a slow learner but he's really come good," said Buick.

"It's lovely to see him reach his full potential -– he's finally being able to show what he can do," added the 38-year-old Norwegian rider.

Almeraq confirmed his status as top British sprinter, edging out Paborus in the British Champion Sprint for his third Group One victory of the campaign.

It capped a remarkable season for the William Haggas-trained sprinter, who last year suffered a terrible fall at York which ultimately led to his jockey that day Jim Crowley having to retire as a result of his injuries.

"He has come back from a bad fall at York last year," said Haggas.

"He must be the best sprinter here, I would have thought.

"I do not know whether he goes to stud at the end of this season –- I would have thought so, but no one has talked to me about it, so I live in hope. I am not asking!"

Earlier Mount Atlas had sprung a huge surprise, the 33/1 shot getting the better of O'Brien's hardy campaigner Queenstown in the British Champions Long Distance Cup.

Winning trainer Andrew Balding had just one regret.

"I am just sorry my mother is not here -– she has gone to watch a hockey match," he said.

"She would have loved that because, obviously, she bred him."

B.Cote--SMC