Orby and November Foal Graduate RIBCHESTER basked in both sunshine and glory at Deauville at the weekend when winning the Group 1 Prix Du Haras de Fresney-Le-Buffard Jacques Le Marios in convincing style for Richard Fahey and Godolphin.
Ribchester, a colt by Iffraaj, was destined for the top from an early age having performed at Group level on only his second start as a two year old. He finished second in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes on this occasion, and went on to win the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths from Log Out Island next time out.
Ribchester’s progression in 2016 prior to this emphatic Group 1 win has included a third in the Group 1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, a decisive victory in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and third behind The Gurkha in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
Richard Fahey said of his high class three year old charge:
“Ribchester’s incredible and came here in top form. Next year he could be the real deal. He’s the best we’ve ever had, he’s got everything. He has a lot of class and a lot of speed. It looked like he was going to win easily, but he had to battle a bit, and that’s good as it will help him to mature.
A graduate of both the Orby Sale and the November Foal Sale, Ribchester was sold as a foal by Kilmore Stud to Jamie Railton Bloodstock for €78,000, and by the Irish National Stud to Highfield Farm for €105,000 in the Orby Sale.
Congratulations to all connections.
Next Sales:
Orby Sale 27-28 September - Online Catalogue
Sportsman’s Sale Part 1 29 - Online Catalogue
Sportsman's Sale Part 2 30 September - Online Catalogue