Grosser Preis von Berlin (Group 1)

THE Joseph O’Brien-trained Al Riffa recorded his first success in nearly two years since he won the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes in September 2022 when he won the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten on Sunday for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle.

The four-year-old went one better having finished a length behind City Of Troy when second in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown last month.

He was cut for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the impressive win but it had to be noted this was a great opportunity for him and the field was not of the highest class, even among the German runners.

That said, Alpinista beat Torquator Tasso to land this prize in 2021, with the runner-up going on to win the Arc later that season before Sir Mark Prescott’s mare won the big race the following year.

The Wootton Bassett colt was also running at a mile and a half for the first time, but moving well from a prominent position, he powered clear in the straight to beat Narrativo by five lengths. The performance earned him quotes of as short as 14/1 for the Arc.

Wonderful day

The winning trainer, speaking to German media said: “It’s been a wonderful day and Al Riffa put up a really good performance so we’re very proud. Dylan gave the horse a fantastic ride. He’s had a busy season so far, racing in France, Britain, America and now Germany, so I think he’ll have a little rest and then be prepared for the Arc.”

Victory was a second success at the top level for McMonagle, whose breakthrough win came aboard Al Riffa two years ago.

“It’s my first time in Germany so it’s great to come here with such a live chance in a big race,” said the winning rider.

“He’s a special horse who gave me my first Group 1 winner as a two-year-old. He had a little setback last year, but he’s come back as good as ever. It was his first time at this distance and he was very good.”

The second, the three-year-old Narrativo, had won the Group 2 Union-Rennen but was a big disappointment when 14th in the German Derby.

The race was also disappointing result for Charlie Appleby with his dual listed winner King Of Conquest finishing last of the seven runners.