Godolphin's Ribchester bids for fourth G1 mile victory in Sussex Stakes

Sport360 staff 20:31 01/08/2017
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  • Talented horse: Ribchester.

    Europe’s most highly-rated horse Ribchester tries for a fourth G1 mile success in the Sussex Stakes, the highlight of day two of Glorious Goodwood Wednesday.

    The Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old ran on strongly to finish a close third in the same race 12 months ago before going on to gain a first G1 victory in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

    After finishing third on his seasonal return in the nine-furlong G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan on March 25, Ribchester dropped back to a mile for the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 20, when he stormed clear for a decisive win.

    Godolphin’s Iffraaj colt showed an impressive turn of foot for success in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. William Buick takes the ride again on Ribchester, with stable companion and likely pacemaker Toscanini (James Doyle) also among a nine-strong field.

    Their opponents include this season’s English and Irish 2,000 Guineas victor Churchill, plus French G1 scorer Zelzal. “Ribchester is a very talented horse and we are very lucky to have him” said Fahey.

    “I don’t think there is an issue with the track or the ground. He goes on any going and I don’t think that going round a bend at Goodwood will bother him.

    “Ribchester was a little bit unlucky in the Sussex Stakes last year. He got himself into a position that didn’t suit, with both the winner and the second getting first run, while he was also a little keen.

    “I am growing more in confidence with him every time I see him. The one thing with Ribchester is that he never lets us down.”

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