Ribchester goes for more G1 glory in Sussex Stakes
goodwood — Europe’s most highly-rated horse Ribchester tries for a fourth G1 mile success in the Sussex Stakes, highlight on day two of Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday.
The Richard Fahey-trained fouryear-old ran on strongly to finish a close third for Godolphin in the same race 12 months ago before going on to gain a first G1 victory in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville two and a half weeks later.
After finishing third on his seasonal return in the nine-furlong G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan, Ribchester dropped back to a mile for the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 20, when he stormed clear for a decisive win.
The Iffraaj colt showed another impressive turn of foot for success in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes, also over a mile, at Royal Ascot on June 20. 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 his season’s English and Irish 2,000 Guineas victor Churchill, plus French G1 scorer Zelzal.
Richard Fahey commented: “Ribchester is a very talented horse and we are very lucky to have him.
“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 in the race.
“As he has matured, he has started to relax more. He relaxed in front in the Lockinge Stakes and relaxed in behind in the Queen Anne Stakes. I am growing more in confidence with him every time I see him work or race. I just want him to turn up and perform – the one thing with Ribchester is that he never lets us down.”