Ribchester off the mark in sensational style

Ruthin leads from pillar to post at Keeneland to become the first winner for her young sire

First-season sire Ribchester opened his winner’s account in breathtaking fashion on Thursday, 22 April when his daughter Ruthin simply annihilated the field in the five-and-a-half-furlong maiden special weight at Keeneland, USA.

Breaking smartly from the gate, the Wesley Ward-trained filly took the lead immediately and from then on, the result never looked in doubt as she cruised further and further clear of her rivals to win by a huge margin.

Bred by Highclere Stud and Jake Warren, Ruthin is one of five winners to date out of the multiple Stakes winner Selinka, also dam of Exceed And Excel’s dual Group winner and very smart sprinter Hit The Bid.

A trip to Royal Ascot could well be on the cards for this exciting filly, whose victory earned her TDN Rising Star status.

Ribchester himself enjoyed immense success at Royal Ascot, winning the G1 Queen Anne Stakes in record time. He also won the Prix Jacques le Marois, the Prix du Moulin and the Lockinge – all G1 races.

Ribchester stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €17,500, Oct 1, SLF.