Ombudsman

The standout achievement is his dominance at Ascot, where he has won two of his three races there. That kind of course form is gold dust, especially given the calibre of competition at Britain's most prestigious track. His latest victory came just two months ago, keeping him razor-sharp and proving he can win on the big stage when it matters. He has also claimed Class 1 victories at York and Newmarket, placing him among the elite in British racing.

What marks Ombudsman out is his partnership with jockey William Buick, who has ridden him in six races for four wins — a win rate of roughly two wins in every three rides. That kind of connection, where a rider and horse click, often makes the difference between merely good and genuinely special. Behind the scenes, he is trained by J & T Gosden's all-conquering Newmarket yard, which has already sent out 140 winners this season. Ombudsman remains actively racing, having run just yesterday, and at five years old is in his prime.