Ribchester to Close Racing Career in Breeders' Cup Mile
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Photo: Mathea Kelley
Ribchester after his victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June
Godolphin reports multiple group 1 winner Ribchester will be retired from racing after his start in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) Nov. 4 at Del Mar. Next season he will stand at Kildangan Stud as a Darley stallion.
Godolphin's Ribchester was given the green light to travel to the United States by trainer Richard Fahey after a routine workout Oct. 26 on his home gallops at Malton, North Yorkshire, England.
The start in the Mile will come only 14 days after Ribchester finished second for a second straight year in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot. William Buick will again take the ride.
Fahey is not concerned about the short gap between races.
"He has kept his coat, he looks a picture, and clearly, he wants to go," Fahey said to Godolphin.com. "He has done everything but tell me himself that he should be on the plane to California.
"I'm very happy with him. He's in great order," he added. Ribchester has been described by Fahey as having a remarkable constitution. "He's very tough.”
The 4-year-old son of Iffraaj (GB) goes into his last race with an impressive record of 6-5-3 from 15 starts. The Breeders' Cup marks the fourth country in which he will have competed and the 11th grade/group 1 race of his career. He has won four group 1 races, two in England and two in France.