Gosden left perplexed by Ombudsman rumours

Ombudsman is firmly on course for his mouthwatering Juddmonte International clash with Constitution River, despite some bookmakers reporting a significant drift in the betting on Friday.

The defending champion had been odds-on to retain his crown at York later this month, but his price lengthened alarmingly before midday, on a morning where he had undertaken a key piece of work in his preparations on Newmarket’s July course.

However, John Gosden, who trains the multiple Group One winner alongside son Thady, was dumbfounded by the negative market reaction having been pleased what with what he witnessed from his star middle-distance performer.

Gosden told the Press Association: “He worked very nicely this morning and I was really happy with the horse.

“I have no idea where the rumours have come from and it makes no sense to me and there were plenty of witnesses there.

“I was very happy with his work, he worked with his lead horse, they went a solid gallop and he finished half a length up, which is what I wanted, and I was very happy with him. It puts him spot on for York.”

Coral were one of the bookmakers to temporarily suspend betting on the Knavesmire showpiece.

Spokesperson David Stevens said: “We were hearing reports that all may not be quite right with Ombudsman this morning, so made the decision to temporarily pull our betting on the Juddmonte International, given what a key horse he is in the market.

“Hopefully the rumours will prove to be unfounded, and we can reopen betting again soon, as his clash with Constitution River is something we’re all looking forward to seeing.”