2026 Juddmonte International Stakes FAQs - Key Questions Answered
The Juddmonte International Stakes is one of Britain's most prestigious middle-distance flat races, held at York during the Ebor Festival. Scheduled for August 19, 2026, the Group 1 race spans a mile and two furlongs and offers a £1.5 million prize. Past winners include legends like Frankel and Sea The Stars, with Ombudsman aiming for back-to-back wins. The race, named the world's best in 2020 and 2024, features elite three-year-olds and older horses. Viewers can watch live on ITV Racing, Racing TV, or via streaming platforms.
- Juddmonte International 2026 runs at York on August 19 with £1.5m prize
- Ombudsman aims to defend his title against top contenders like Constitution River
- Race is acclaimed worldwide; watch live on ITV Racing, Racing TV, or online
What is the Juddmonte International Stakes?
The Juddmonte International Stakes is one of the most prestigious middle-distance races in British Flat racing. Staged at York during the Ebor Festival, this Group 1 contest brings together elite three-year-olds and older horses, giving the leading generations the opportunity to compete against each other over a mile-and-a-quarter.
Despite having a shorter history than many of Britain's biggest races, the International has developed an outstanding reputation. Champions including Frankel, Sea The Stars, Baaeed and City Of Troy feature on the roll of honour, while the race was officially rated the world's best horse race in both 2020 and 2024.
When is the 2026 Juddmonte International Stakes?
The 2026 Juddmonte International Stakes will take place on Wednesday 19th August. It is the feature race on the opening day of York's four-day Ebor Festival. The race is schedule to start at 3:35pm.
Where is the Juddmonte International Stakes run?
The race takes place at York Racecourse on the Knavesmire in York. York is regarded as one of Britain's leading Flat racing venues and hosts several major races throughout the season.
How far is the Juddmonte International Stakes?
The Juddmonte International Stakes is run over approximately one mile and two furlongs. York's official 2026 race conditions list the distance as around 2,080 metres.
What type of race is the Juddmonte International Stakes?
The Juddmonte International is a Group 1 Flat race open to horses aged three and older. Unlike a handicap, horses compete under weight-for-age conditions, with allowances applying according to age and sex.
How much prize money is available in the 2026 Juddmonte International?
The 2026 Juddmonte International Stakes has a total prize fund of £1.5 million, making it the most valuable race staged at York during the season.
When was the Juddmonte International Stakes first run?
The International Stakes was first staged in 1972, when it was known as the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup. Derby winner Roberto landed the inaugural running, inflicting the only defeat of the legendary Brigadier Gerard's 18-race career.
Why is it called the Juddmonte International Stakes?
Juddmonte has sponsored the race since 1989. The breeding and racing operation founded by Prince Khalid Abdullah has enjoyed tremendous success around the world, and its famous colours were carried to victory in this race by Twice Over and Frankel.
Which horses usually run in the Juddmonte International Stakes?
The race attracts leading middle-distance horses from Britain, Ireland and further afield. Three-year-olds who have performed strongly in races such as the Derby and Eclipse Stakes can meet established older stars arriving from other major Group 1 contests during the summer.
Who won the 2025 Juddmonte International Stakes?
Ombudsman won the 2025 Juddmonte International for John and Thady Gosden, with William Buick riding the Godolphin-owned colt to victory.
Will Ombudsman run in the Juddmonte International Stakes?
Yes, Ombudsman is expected to return to York and try to win his second Juddmonte International. John and Thady Gosden's star has been in peak form this season, and returns to the Knavesmire on the back of another demolition job in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Which famous horses have won the Juddmonte International?
The International boasts an exceptional roll of honour. Frankel, Sea The Stars, Baaeed, City Of Troy, Giant's Causeway, Australia, Roaring Lion and Ghaiyyath are among the champions to have won the race at York.
Why is Frankel's Juddmonte International victory so famous?
Frankel arrived at York unbeaten in 12 starts when stepping beyond a mile for the first time in 2012. Sir Henry Cecil's superstar answered the stamina question emphatically, powering clear to win by seven lengths and record the 13th victory of his unbeaten 14-race career.
Has the Juddmonte International been named the world's best horse race?
Yes. The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities named the Juddmonte International the Longines World's Best Horserace for 2020 and 2024, based on the ratings achieved by the leading finishers in those renewals.
Who is the most successful trainer in the Juddmonte International Stakes?
Aidan O'Brien holds the training record in the race, having saddled seven winners. His victories include Giant's Causeway, Duke Of Marmalade, Rip Van Winkle, Australia and City Of Troy.
Who will Aidan O'Brien run in the 2026 Juddmonte International Stakes?
Aidan O'Brien's leading hope will be Constitution River, who'll try to complete a Group One hat-trick following impressive victories in the Prix du Jockey Club and the Coral-Eclipse.
Who is the most successful jockey in the Juddmonte International Stakes?
Frankie Dettori holds the riding record with six victories in the International. His winners included Halling, Singspiel, Sakhee, Sulamani, Authorized and Mostahdaf.
Why is the Juddmonte International such an important race?
The International occupies an important position in the European Flat season because it brings together different generations of elite middle-distance horses. Derby contenders, established older champions and occasionally leading international runners can all meet at York, producing fields of exceptional quality.
Which TV channel will show the 2026 Juddmonte International Stakes?
The Juddmonte International is expected to be shown live in the UK on ITV Racing and Racing TV as part of their coverage of the Ebor Festival.
Can I watch the Juddmonte International Stakes online?
Yes. UK viewers are expected to be able to stream the race through ITVX and Racing TV, while eligible customers may also be able to watch through bookmakers that provide live horse racing streams. Visit our website for more live streaming information.
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