Hibaayeb gave Frankie Dettori and Godolphin their second winner of Royal Ascot with a clear-cut victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
The 4-1 joint-favourite showed a devastating turn of foot when asked to quicken with over a furlong to run and she recorded a three and three-quarter length win over Eldalil and Gallic Star. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “She was really disappointing in the
Guineas, but bounced back in the Prix Saint-Alary and then we had to decide if we should go for the Oaks.
“We just thought she would appreciate the longer break and that certainly seems to be the case.”A good early pace was set by Acquainted and Middle Club, while Dettori sat in a beautiful position just off the leaders on Hibaayeb, and her performance delighted the jockey.He said: “She’s relished the extra trip and everything was perfect. The pressure was taken off with a winner yesterday and I’m obviously overjoyed to get a second.”Eldalil’s trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: “She obviously showed she stayed. She got the distance very well and it opens up plenty of options. She’s one for the future.”Mick Channon was very happy with third-placed Gallic Star. He said: “She ran a good race and I thought she would. She was a good filly last year and a decent one this.“Like so many fillies she has taken a long time to come to herself. She got in a bit of trouble but would never have beaten the winner.”The three-year-old was Godolphin’s fifth victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes, which they also won last year with Flying Cloud.Courtesy: www.racingpost.com