Ombudsman has been withdrawn from the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland following a decision by trainer John Gosden and the Godolphin team. The choice comes shortly after Ombudsman’s decisive victory in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, with concerns over the tight turnaround influencing the decision to forgo the trip to the United States.

Ombudsman’s withdrawal opens the field for the Grade 1 Turf race, with Diamond Necklace now the early betting favorite at 6-4 odds. George Scott’s Bay City Roller, who finished third behind Ombudsman at Ascot, remains on course to compete in the Breeders’ Cup, with Scott indicating the horse emerged from the Ascot race in good condition and the plan is to proceed with the trip to Keeneland.

While Ombudsman will miss the Breeders’ Cup, connections have suggested that the horse may target the Japan Cup before retiring to stud, though no official confirmation has been made.

The Breeders’ Cup Turf, scheduled next week at Keeneland, will now proceed without one of the last major contenders from the European turf season, potentially reshaping the competition dynamics.