Yibir third in G1 Man o’War Stakes

Yibir closed strongly to take third after missing the break in the G1 Man o’War Stakes at Belmont Park, USA, on Saturday, 14 May.

Last season’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner forfeited several lengths leaving the stalls and was detached at the rear of the five runners as Abaan and Highland Chief disputed the early lead.

Yibir continued to race in a clear last under William Buick before starting to make his move around the field turning in.

The Dubawi four-year-old stayed on widest of all in the straight, taking third entering the final half-furlong. He could not get on terms with Highland Chief and Gufo on the rain-softened ground, going down by a length and a quarter in total in the 11-furlong contest.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “The slight lack of pace and ease in the ground didn’t suit us, but Yibir has run another solid race. It’s a little bit disappointing, although it’s just unfortunate that we had rain last night and again just before racing today.

“The likelihood now is that we will head to the G1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga in August, when we will hopefully be guaranteed quicker ground.”