The Ebor Festival 2026 is underway at the Knavesmire in York today, August 19. The highlight of the opening day's card is the Group One International Stakes at 3.35, which will see the first meeting between Ombudsman and Constitution River.
These two horses are considered among the best middle-distance horses in global Flat racing this year. Ombudsman is fielded by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, while Constitution River represents the Coolmore Stud operation in Ireland. The prize fund for the race is £1.5m.
A rivalry has been noted between the trainers, John Gosden for Ombudsman and Aidan O’Brien for Constitution River. Gosden has previously suggested that O'Brien's tactic of fielding multiple runners in Group Ones can disadvantage sole rivals. O'Brien has three runners in today's race, including Hawk Mountain and Action, while Gosden also has a pace-setter, Devil's Advocate.
Other races on the card include the Great Voltigeur Stakes at 3.00, which serves as a trial for potential St Leger horses, and the Group Three Acomb Stakes at 2.25 for two-year-olds. Overnight rain of nearly 2mm has left the going on the Knavesmire as good, and the meeting began with a 22-runner sprint handicap at 1.50.