The 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown promises an exciting midweek spectacle, with six strong contenders. Ombudsman, the runner-up from last year, currently tops the betting, followed by Gethin who impressed on his last outing. Other notable runners include Almeric, Arabian Light, Bedouin Prince, and Wimbledon Hawkeye. While Ombudsman is the bookmakers' favorite, our expert tip for victory is Gethin, who is poised for a breakthrough season after an emphatic win at Kempton.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes
This Group Three takes place at Sandown on Thursday 28th May
We're backing Gethin against odds-on favourite Ombudsman
Ombudsman (left) finishing second to Delacroix in the 2025 Coral-Eclipse here at Sandown. (Getty)
Midweek racing fans are in for a real treat on Thursday evening, as Sandown hosts a stellar meeting. The main event on the card is the Brigadier Gerard Stakes, and it's last year's runner-up who currently dominates the betting.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes Odds
Name
Odds
Ombudsman
4/6
Gethin
3/1
Almeric
8/1
Arabian Light
16/1
Wimbledon Hawkeye
16/1
Bedoiun Prince
40/1
2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes Runners
Ombudsman will make his reappearance at Sandown for the second season in a row. John and Thady Gosden's star was beaten in this race by Almaqam, before going on to land the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, the Juddmonte International and the Dubai Turf.
Gethin looks set for a season at the top table, following an emphatic Listed win on his return to the track at Kempton in April. Almeric claimed Listed honours at Newmarket last season, but could only finish third as Saddadd won the Gordon Richards Stakes on his 2026 return.
With William Buick riding Ombudsman for Godolphin, Ryan Moore has been booked to partner with Arabian Light. Charlie Appleby's star is yet to make the breakthrough at pattern level, with both of his most recent wins coming in handicaps at Meydan.
Connor Planas partners with Charlie Appleby's second-string, Bedouin Prince. The sixth and final runner is James Owen's Wimbledon Hawkeye, who claimed Group Three honours out in America last season.
2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes Tips
On all know form, Ombudsman wins this quite comfortably. William Buick's mount is a multiple Group One winner running in a Group Three contest.
Ombudsman was, however, beaten in this race 12 months ago - albeit by a future Group One winner in Almaqam - and has to carry a seven-pound penalty for his victory in the Dubai Turf. If you also take into account that John Gosden said his star was "just about ready" for this assignment, then I think there's some scope for taking the short-priced favourite on.
Gethin (left) beating Saddadd at Newbury last season. (Getty)
GETHIN (3/1) is the obvious alternative. Owen Burrows' star returned to action with a career-best effort in the Magnolia Stakes at Sandown, after which he was snapped up by Wathnan Racing.
As with most of Burrows' most precious talents, Gethin was raced lightly throughout his early years. Callum Rodriguez' mount won well on his sole juvenile start, and thrashed future Group One-placer Saddadd on his three-year-old reappearance, before runner-up finishes to Best Secret and Liberty Lane in a pair of high-quality Listed races.
Gethin looked like he had more than enough speed for ten furlongs in the Magnolia Stakes, and the likes of Bedouin Prince and Wimbledon Hawkeye should ensure that this is a strong test of stamina. Burrows didn't enter his top colt in any of the races at Royal Ascot, but victory on Thursday would surely see Gethin pointed at the Coral-Eclipse.
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