Ombudsman emphatically turned the tables on Delacroix to win a fascinating Group One International Stakes (2,051m) at York on day one of their Ebor Festival.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained star was pipped by Delacroix in a tactical Group One Eclipse Stakes (2,000m) at Sandown last month, but the form was reversed in no uncertain terms.
Godolphin ensured the race would be run at a true gallop by introducing Birr Castle as a pacemaker, with Rab Havlin sending him on by over 20 lengths and turning into the straight, the margin was still enormous.
After 150-1 pacemaker Qirat stole the Group One Sussex Stakes (1,600m) at Glorious Goodwood, punters were no doubt envisaging a repeat when Birr Castle entered the final 400m still clear.
William Buick never panicked on Ombudsman, however, and he unleashed a devastating turn of foot to saunter by inside the final furlong, leaving Delacroix trailing in his wake.
