Chris Waller to take over James J Braddock and Omni Man from Joseph O’Brien

Chris Waller will take over training of Melbourne Cup runner James J Braddock and Champions Stakes contender Omni Man.

Both horses were prepared for their Australian spring by Joseph O’Brien.

Omni Man is still listed under O’Brien for Saturday’s $3 million Group 1 Champions Stakes, where he has drawn barrier 6 and will carry 59kg with Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard. He races for New Zealand syndicator Go Racing.

James J Braddock was third in the English Derby. He finished seventh in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, beaten 6.06 lengths by Point Of Law after starting from barrier 23, and his connections, led by Ozzie Kheir had already planned to keep him in Australia after the race.