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Horse Racing News Update: Al Riffa Dominates in Grosser Preis von Berlin, Cementing Arc de Triomphe Contender Status
In a thrilling display of endurance and class, Al Riffa firmly placed himself in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe conversation with a commanding victory in the Group One Westminster 134th Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten.
The four-year-old, trained by Joseph O’Brien, was stepping up to the mile and a half distance for the first time after chasing home City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown last month. Under the skilled guidance of jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Al Riffa tracked the early pace setters Tunnes and Lips Prince before making his move around the two-furlong marker.
Responding emphatically to McMonagle’s urgings, Al Riffa quickly opened up a substantial lead and powered home, crossing the line five lengths clear of the staying-on Narrativo. Charlie Appleby’s King Of Conquest, who was seeking a hat-trick following recent Listed-class wins, could only manage a distant last-place finish.
“It’s been a wonderful day here today and Al Riffa put up a really good performance, and we’re really proud of him,” an elated O’Brien told Wettstar. “Dylan gave the horse a fantastic ride, and we’ve had a great day.”
This victory marked the second Group One success for the son of Wootton Bassett, who had previously triumphed in the National Stakes at the Curragh as a juvenile. Following his dominant display in Germany, bookmakers Paddy Power have reacted by slashing Al Riffa’s odds for Arc glory from 20/1 to 14/1.
With this impressive display of stamina and class, Al Riffa has firmly positioned himself as a serious contender for the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, one of the most coveted prizes in the international racing calendar.
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