Ombudsman's odds drifted significantly on Friday morning, prompting bookmakers to suspend betting, but trainer John Gosden has dismissed the rumours as baseless, confirming the horse is in top form.
Betting Suspended Amid Rumours
The reigning champion was odds-on to retain his Juddmonte International crown at York later this month, but his odds lengthened dramatically before midday. Coral and other bookmakers temporarily suspended betting due to rumours about the favourite's wellbeing.
David Stevens, a spokesman for Coral, 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."
Gosden Confirms Horse is Fine
John Gosden, who trains the Godolphin five-year-old with his son Thady, 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."
The horse completed a gallop on Newmarket's July Course with stable companion Devil's Advocate, finishing half a length up. Gosden added: "It puts him spot on for York."
Market Reopens with Ombudsman Still Favourite
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).
Stevens 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."
