Gringotts wins a thrilling Group 1 George Ryder Stakes

Rising star Gringotts has announced himself as a Group 1 contender with a heart-stopping victory in the George Ryder Stakes, edging out top-class rivals Fangirl and Ceolwulf in a dramatic finish.

Trained by Ciaron Maher, Gringotts ($6) was the only runner in the elite 11-horse field yet to secure a Group 1 title. However, under a determined ride from Tommy Berry, the five-year-old gelding outdueled Fangirl ($5) by a nose, with Ceolwulf ($3.90 equal betting favorite) finishing another nose away in third.

Gringotts had already made a name for himself last spring, claiming both the $3 million Big Dance and $1 million The Gong. His victory on Saturday confirmed his credentials as a genuine top-level performer.

“He’s been building up to this, and now he’s heading to the Doncaster next,” Maher said.

“I think he put up some incredible sectionals last start. Stepping up in distance today suited him perfectly. You could see him winding up.

"Fangirl was always going to be tough to beat—she always is—but that was an amazing performance."

For jockey Tommy Berry, the victory held extra significance. It marked his first Group 1 triumph since the spring of 2022, following a period on the sidelines due to a disqualification in 2023 and a serious neck and shoulder injury suffered in a Randwick fall earlier this year.

After making his racing return late last month, Berry was ecstatic to deliver a major win aboard Gringotts, a horse he had partnered throughout last year’s spring campaign.

“It’s felt like a long road back, and with the injury, I wasn’t sure I’d even make it back for this carnival,” Berry said.

“So it’s just incredible to be here.

“I’ve always had a lot of faith in this horse. His first-up run carrying a big weight was huge, and he just loves a fight. He hits a bit of a flat spot at the 100m, but when they come at him, he finds another gear. That’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Berry admitted he wasn’t certain if he had held off Fangirl and Ceolwulf in the tight finish.

“The barrier boys told me on the back straight that I’d won,” he said.

“It’s a terrible feeling waiting those extra few furlongs to find out if you actually did, but it was worth it in the end.”

With his George Ryder victory, Gringotts has now been installed as the $6 equal favorite for the upcoming Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks. He shares top billing with Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker and will carry 55.5kg in the prestigious race.