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Rio De La Plata won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in 2007
©Bill Selwyn
RIO DE LA PLATA (USA)
- Age: 5
- Colour: Chesnut
- Gender: Colt
- Sire: Rahy (USA)
- Dam: Express Way (ARG)
A most progressive horse, Rio De La Plata won his maiden at the second time of asking before going on to land a Group Two event at Goodwood by two lengths. He then travelled to Ireland where he finished runner-up to New Approach in the Group One National Stakes coming from the back of the field to finish strongly. Much closer to the pace at Longchamp in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, Rio De La Plata was always going smoothly in the hands of Frankie Dettori and was still on the bridle when slipping through on the rails with two furlongs to run. Displaying his telling turn of foot, he was soon clear to register a comfortable two and a half length victory in 1m 21.50s.
Rio De La Plata turned out two weeks later to contest Europe's premier two-year-old event, the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket. Racing towards the rear of the field he appeared to struggle a little on the rain-softened ground but still made headway approaching the two furlong marker to get into a challenging position. However, meeting slight interference twice over the next furlong, he was not asked for more when his winning chance had gone and was allowed to cross the line in fourth place.
Rio De La Plata kicked off his second season with a fine performance to finish runner-up in the Poule d'Essai Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), at Longchamp on May 11. Held-up under Frankie Dettori, Rio De la Plata stayed on well in the straight but was no match for the three-length winner Falco.
The three-year-old colt was stepped up in trip when he was sent out to contest the G1 Epsom Derby a month later. Given a great ride by Frankie Dettori, Rio De La Plata was close up in eighth as the field reached Tattenham Corner and made some progress in the straight to go closer to the leaders, but as suspected by trainer Saeed bin Suroor his stamina ran out and he was unable to mount a meaningful challenge.
Rio De La Plata, having first run since the Derby, finished a pleasing third in the Group One Abu Dhabi Sorouh Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on July 13. Producing a powerful final furlong, he covered the final 200 yards faster than any of his 15 rivals but could not catch the winner Tamayuz and runner-up Raven’s Pass and was beaten two lengths on the line.
Having his first start for nearly 14 months Rio De La Plata struggled in the heavy ground and finished disappointingly in a mile Listed race at Haydock on September 5. Rio De La Plata is returning to form and ran a much improved race to finish 2nd in the Group 3 Nayef Joel Stakes in Newmarket on October 2. Settled towards the rear by Frankie Dettori he ran on well but failed to catch Confront and was half a length down on the line. Starting favourite in his next race, the nine furlong Group Three Thurlow Nunn Standen Darley Stakes, Rio De La Plata put in a disappointing run. Having made headway under Frankie Dettori he weakened in the final furlong to finish four and a half lengths behind the winner.