Frescobaldi helps Ryan Moore reach century of York winners

Ryan Moore secured his 100th winner at York aboard Frescobaldi in the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes.

It has not been the week many expected for Moore, with dual Derby hero Lambourn and Eclipse winner Delacroix both suffering defeat.

However, he did steer the Richard Hughes-trained Star Of Mehmas to a lucrative handicap success on Wednesday and having made it 99 course winners when getting back in the Group One-winning groove on Minnie Hauk in Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks, he reached the landmark on Friday.

Frescobaldi, fifth at the Curragh and second at Fairyhouse on his two previous starts for Aidan O’Brien, was sent off at 100-30 to make it third time lucky in what is traditionally one of the strongest maidens of the season, with a total prize fund of £100,000 up for grabs.

Always to the fore, Frescobaldi was coaxed to the front approaching the final furlong and knuckled down well for pressure to see off the challenge of promising newcomer Spyce by three-quarters of a length.

On reaching his century on the Knavesmire, Moore said: “I’ve always enjoyed riding at York, it’s a great racecourse and hopefully we can keep coming back here.”