As the Racing Post’s Martin Stevens noted earlier this month, Ribchester has made a very exciting start to the new turf season and since that article was published, the young Darley sire has gone from strength to strength.
So far in April, he has sired more winners (nine) than any other second-season sire in Europe, putting him at least two clear of Zarak, Cotai Glory, Churchill, Caravaggio, Aclaim, Ardad and Galileo Gold, to name but a few.
Breeders in Europe will recognise the name Ruthin, who broke her maiden by six lengths at Keeneland before heading to Royal Ascot as part of Wesley Ward’s 2021 team where she was beaten by less than four lengths in the Windsor Castle.
After suffering a setback, her return to the track in the $200,000 Limestone Stakes back at Keeneland on Friday was much anticipated and she certainly didn’t disappoint when holding off a late charge from Derrymane to add a well-deserved first Stakes win to her record. A return to Royal Ascot is now on the cards for this talented filly.
Another Ribchester to watch is Garachico, who was only beaten a length in a very hot renewal of the G3 Prix Noailles, a French Derby trial on Sunday.
On the same day, Ribchester added a second juvenile winner of the year to his record when Absolutelyflawless scored very comfortably on debut at Southwell. She is clearly very highly regarded by her trainer David Loughnane, who indicated after the race that a trip to Royal Ascot is now likely.
Earlier last week, three-year-old Tollard Royal made it two wins from three starts with an all-the-way victory at Beverley.
Add these to his impressive wide-margin winners earlier in the month in Emperor Of Love and Facteur Cheval (pictured), and it’s easy to see why there are plenty of reasons to hope that Ribchester will continue to build on his flying start this spring.
There is still time to book your mare into Ribchester, simply give Eamon, Anthony or Tom a call on +353 (0)45 527600 to discuss.
