third place. After the race he was purchased privately by Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin organisation but remained in training with Fahey. On his first appearance for his new owner Ribchester was partnered by James Doyle and started the 13/8 favourite for the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury Racecourse on 19 September. The best of his five opponents appeared to be Raucous and the Godolphin second string Log Out Island (runner-up in the Norfolk Stakes). After racing towards the rear of the field he moved up on the outside, overtook Log Out Island approaching the final furlong and despite looking "green" (inexperienced) he stayed on to win by one and a quarter lengths. Doyle commented "It was a solid performance... he was just pricking his ears a bit in the end. He's a big, raw type with plenty of scope and I would imagine that he will be much better next year" whilst Fahey said "He's a big baby and it's amazing how a race can bring horses on. York verified how good we thought he was and today has confirmed it. If I've got a Guineas horse, it's him." 2016: three-year-old season Ribchester began his second season with a trip to France for the Prix Djebel over 1400 metres on heavy ground at Maisons-Laffitte Racecourse on 7 April. He finished second to Cheikeljack but was relegated to fifth for hampering the third-placed Attendu when veering to the left in the closing stages. Twenty-three days after his run in France, Ribchester started a 33/1 outsider for the 208th running of the 2000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket. Ridden by William Buick he raced in mid-division before staying on in the last quarter mile to finish third of the thirteen runners behind Galileo Gold and Massaat. At Royal Ascot in June Ribchester was again partnered by Buick when he was dropped in distance for the seven-furlong Jersey Stakes in which, as a Group Two winner, he had to carry a five-pound weight penalty. The improving handicapper Castle Harbour started favourite with Ribchester joint second in the betting on 7/1 alongside the gelding Gifted Master (Autumn Stakes, Pavilion Stakes). Ribchester was always going well, moved up to join the leaders two furlongs out and drew away in the closing stages to win by two and a quarter lengths from the Michael Stoute-trained Thikriyaat. Fahey admitted that he had "chickened