WILLIAM BUICK WINS THREE RACES AT ASCOT'S BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY

William Buick rode three winners at Ascot's British Champions Day on Saturday, led by Ombudsman's victory in the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes. The recorded starting prices put the combined odds of his treble at 206-1. Ombudsman, sent off at 5-4, beat Calandagan by three and three-quarter lengths over ten furlongs. Buick also won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Talk Of New York at 3-1 and the Balmoral Handicap on Fifth Column at 22-1. John and Thady Gosden trained Ombudsman.

Devil's Advocate set the pace in the Champion Stakes before Bay City Roller took the lead two furlongs from the finish. Bay City Roller had finished second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Calandagan challenged on the outside in his first race over ten furlongs since winning the Champion Stakes the previous year. Buick then sent Ombudsman past the leaders, and the son of Night Of Thunder pulled clear. Tom Marquand also won at Ascot aboard Almeraq.

“They are two great racehorses, him and Calandagan, they produced a great race last year and it was our turn today,” Buick said. He said he had arrived at Ascot with good rides and described Ombudsman as “a joy to ride every time”. Buick also praised the horse's versatility and racing judgement. John Gosden is considering another run for Ombudsman in the Breeders' Cup Turf, subject to approval from the horse's owners.