Ombudsman and Daryz, two of the world’s highest-rated horses, are set to clash in the £1 million Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes over 2,004 meters at Royal Ascot on June 17, 2026 [1, 2].

Ombudsman, who has established himself as an elite middle-distance competitor, won last year’s Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and added victories in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August 2025 and the Dubai Turf in March 2025 [1, 2]. After a two-month break earlier this year, Ombudsman narrowly won the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on May 28 by a neck over 1,990 meters [1, 2]. Jockey William Buick praised Ombudsman’s preparation and effort after that race, saying, "There was never a moment’s worry. He had to give weight to some genuine Stakes performers, but John and Thady (Gosden) had him spot-on for what he needed to do there and he is a horse who will always do what is needed" [1].

Daryz, meanwhile, claimed the prestigious 2025 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe by a head over Minnie Hauk and has continued his strong form with wins in the Prix Ganay (2,100m) in April and the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan, 1,850m) in May at ParisLongchamp [1, 2]. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard highlighted Daryz’s powerful acceleration and readiness, stating, "He amazed me with his powerful turn of foot in those two races this spring. We need to look after him carefully as he is a strong and powerful horse who likes to dictate what he wants to do. But I think I have him where I want him physically and mentally in preparation for this great race at Ascot" [1]. French jockey Mickael Barzalona will ride Daryz at Royal Ascot [1, 2].

The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is a Group 1 race covering 2,004 meters with advertised prize money of £1 million (S$1.7 million) [1, 2]. This setting promises a highly competitive middle-distance showdown on June 17.

Both horses enter the race with recent strong performances and high expectations after their standout runs in 2025 and early 2026. Ombudsman’s victory in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes less than three weeks ago and Daryz’s recent Group 1 wins in France set the stage for a marquee battle at Royal Ascot.

The race will provide a definitive test between these top middle-distance contenders as they vie for the prestigious Royal Ascot crown and a share of the £1 million prize.