A showdown between Ombudsman and Constitution River in the Juddmonte International Stakes is on after both were among nine declared for Wednesday’s Group 1 at the Ebor meeting. York chief executive William Derby has heralded the race as “exactly what we wanted.”
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Tuesday.
York chief thrilled as Juddmonte International attracts clash of the ages
Nine runners were declared for the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Among those, the big two in the market stood their ground ahead of a hugely exciting renewal. Ombudsman and Constitution River will face off on the Knavesmire and York’s chief executive William Derby has hailed the race’s pulling power, saying: “I’m sure all race fans cannot wait. It’s one of those races we can all have a different opinion on, but can enjoy together.” (Racing Post)
Group 1 runner-up See The Fire on sale this December
See The Fire, a former runner-up in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes, will go on sale this December. She will be among the prized lots at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale between November 30-December 3. A homebred of owner Jeff Smith, she has won five of her 21 career races. Her highlight in terms of returning to the winners’ enclosure was when romping to victory by 12 lengths in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York in 2025. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Horse racing avoids water usage restrcitions
The Racecourse Association (RCA) has announced that its racecourses will avoid any restrictions on water usage. After an exceptionally dry summer, most of England is in drought after the driest July for nearly two centuries. Racecourses were bracing to become more frugal on their use of watering to maintain safe ground. However, the RCA has moved to allay those fears. (Racing Post)
Zavateri to continue bounce back at York
One of last season’s star juveniles, Zavateri, will continue his belated return at York on Saturday. Eve Johnson Houghton’s charge reappeared with a highly likeable effort in the Sussex Stakes, won by Bow Echo. The son of Without Parole finished fifth over 1m that day and will return to 7f this week. He will contest the Group 1 City Of York Stakes on Ebor day, with his trainer saying: “I can’t see why he won’t run well at York. He is very, very straightforward. So absolutely it is all systems go for the race.” (Racing TV)
Wimbledon Hawkeye set for Leopardstown raid
Recent Group 3 winner Wimbledon Hawkeye may now be aimed at the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. The four-year-old scored at Deauville on Saturday. It was only his fourth win in 17 starts, but he is a commendably consistent horse. Scott, who has handled him for his last two starts, paid tribute to his new charge, saying: “I would love to see him dip his toe now in a Group One and I think he will love the track.” (Racing TV)