Fourth G1 success for Ribchester

Ribchester consolidated his position as Europe’s top miler by gaining a fourth G1 victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 10. 

The four-year-old Iffraaj colt, unlucky in the G1 Sussex Stakes on his previous start, made no mistake this time.

Ribchester, trained by Richard Fahey and with James Doyle in the saddle, raced a close second as Robin Of Navan led.

He moved up with two furlongs remaining and soon took over in front.

Taareef came to challenge in the final furlong but Ribchester was always in command, running on to win by three quarters of a lengths in 1m 40.75s on soft ground, the pair three and a half lengths clear of the third Massaat.

Richard Fahey commented: “It is just nice to see Ribchester win again. I was very happy with the victory.

“He does not make it easy for his rider, but I think he gets bit lonely out in front.

“He was hardly blowing afterwards and has got a lot of ability. You never feel the tank is empty – he is a very tough horse.

“He coped with the soft ground but is better on a sounder surface.

“We will be aiming him towards the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot (G1, October 21) and then consider the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1, Del Mar, November 4) in California two weeks after that.”

 James Doyle added: “Ribchester played with Taareef at finish, after waiting for his company. He is certainly the best miler in Europe.”