Juddmonte International report, reaction and free video replay

Rab Havlin built up a 25-length lead on Andre Fabre's Birr Castle in the straight and at one point it looked as though he might 'do a Qirat' by causing an almighty Group 1 shock.

However, the chasing pack eventually closed as Birr Castle began to paddle and Ombudsman found plenty in the last two furlongs to win by a comfortable three-and-a-half lengths.

Coral-Eclipse rival Delacroix finished second as the Sandown form was reversed, with Birr Castle hanging on for third ahead of filly See The Fire.

International challengers Danon Decile and Daryz were most disappointing in fifth and sixth.

Winning rider William Buick said: "A lot of things were going through my mind. I didn't expect Danon Decile to take back, I thought he would be wanting to chase a good pace.

"I think Rab [Havlin on Birr Castle] did his job beautifully, he finished third. This horse produced an amazing performance, unbelievable, he's a very, very special horse and he showed all his attributes today."

Winning trainer John Gosden cut a relieved figure afterwards.

“The plan was to go a good even pace," he said. "The Japanese jockey was with Rab (Havlin) on the pacemaker then the Japanese jockey kept taking back and back so the whole field took back and let Rab slip the field.

“Rab never hit his horse, a few slaps down the shoulder but still, at this stage of the race (pointing to the screen again), passing the two-furlong marker, he has six lengths on them.

“When William let Ombudsman go, he said he absolutely flew. He said I went from second gear to fifth gear like that (click of the fingers), fast. He’s just taken it away from Delacroix who has finished second in the end and obviously the pacemaker is third. He’s collected his supplementary fee.

“The obvious races now are the English and Irish Champion. He’s in the Arc as well but will need one of those rare fast ground Arcs, but they do happen occasionally. We’ll see, how the horse is when we get back and I’m going to have a fun call with Andre.”

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