Dubai Turf third for Ribchester

Ribchester ran a fine race to finish a close third on his seasonal return in the G1 Dubai Turf over nine furlongs at Meydan, UAE, on Dubai World Cup Night, Saturday, March 25.

The Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old broke smartly for William Buick and raced in front before settling in second behind the other Godolphin runner Very Special (Saeed bin Suroor/Silvestre De Sousa) with just over five furlongs to race.

Ribchester was angled out to deliver his challenge entering the straight and quickened strongly to regain the lead passing the two-furlong marker.

The Iffraaj colt battled well in the closing stages but was headed entering the final half-furlong by Heshem and Vivlos, who produced a withering run to score by half a length in 1m 50.20s on yielding ground.

Heshem took second with a further half-length back to Ribchester, who came home a length and three-quarters ahead of Zarak in fourth.

Richard Fahey said: “I was delighted with Ribchester’s run in the Dubai Turf and I am looking forward to an exciting season with him.”

William Buick added: “On that run you cannot say that Ribchester didn’t stay the distance.

“You would have to be pleased with him as he will improve for this race and it opens a few more doors.”