Yibir rediscovers winning touch in G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes

Yibir secured his first victory since last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf with a convincing display in the G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes, highlight on day one of Newmarket’s July Festival, Thursday, 7 July.

The son of Dubawi had run sound races in defeat in all three of his previous appearances for Charlie Appleby in 2022, including a neck second to Shahryar in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Yibir adopted his customary position in last of the six runners under William Buick as stable companion Global Storm was sent on into a two-length advantage by James Doyle.

Global Storm kicked on down the stands’ rail two and a half furlongs from home, with Yibir staying on after being switched towards the centre of the course shortly after. Living Legend collared Global Storm approaching the final furlong but his lead was short-lived as Yibir took up the running over half a furlong out before forging clear to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Global Storm rallied in the closing stages to finish third, a neck behind Living Legend, with the first three pulling six lengths clear of New Mandate in fourth.

Charlie Appleby said: “Full credit to Shane Fetherstonhaugh, who rides Yibir out, and the team at home. Shane felt that Yibir was as good as we have had him over the past 10 days and I thought he looked a picture in the paddock.

“Yibir is a different animal when he has pace to run at. People on the outside have possibly been scratching their heads about his runs at Belmont and the Rowley Mile this season, but he needs a gallop. It was a lovely ride by William and I am pleased to get him back on track.

“Hopefully, we can head back to the United States now for the G1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga next month.”

William Buick added: “It’s great to see Yibir back like that. He hasn’t run a bad race at all on his last three starts but we know how good he is when things go right for him. Charlie was very keen to put another horse in the race to ensure a nice, even gallop and James rode a lovely race from the front.

“Yibir is a class horse who can do unbelievable things when the scenario goes well for him, which he showed in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He is very tough and turns up every time. He really is a great horse.”