SportHorse racingJohn GosdenOmbudsman was odds-on to retain his Juddmonte International crown at York later this month, but his horse racing odds drifted significantly on Friday morning despite a pleasing workout13:30, 07 Aug 2026Ombudsman remains firmly on track for his highly anticipated Juddmonte International showdown with Constitution River, despite the star horse taking a notable walk in the betting market on Friday.‌The reigning champion had been odds-on to defend his title in the Group 1 showpiece at York later this month, but his odds lengthened dramatically before midday.‌The Godolphin five-year-old embellished his record with a four length victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. He completed his latest workout with a gallop on Newmarket's July Course with stable companion Devil's Advocate ahead of his next important assignment.‌However Ombudsman took an alarming drift in the ante-post betting prompting a number of bookmakers, including Coral, to temporarily suspend betting due to rumours about his wellbeing of the odds-on favourite.Spokespeson 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."‌Trainer John Gosden, who trains the multiple Group One winner alongside son Thady, could not explain where the rumours had come from as he confirmed all was well with Ombudsman.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."When Coral reopened its market Ombudsman was eased to Evens (from 10-11) favourite. Second favourite Constitution River is 5-4 (from 6-4), ahead of Item at 5-1 (from 6-1).Article continues belowStevens said: "Connections of Ombudsman were quick to dismiss any concerns over his wellbeing, so the great news is the big clash on the Knavesmire is back on, with the battle for favouritism between last year's winner and his younger rival Constitution River promising to be every bit as close as the race itself will hopefully be."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Group One Ltd.Press Association Ltd.John GosdenHorsesYork Racecourse