Richard Fahey has said Ribchester could step up to 10 furlongs later this season at York

A STEP UP to 10 furlongs for the Juddmonte International at York could be a long-term option for Al Shaqab Lockinge hero Ribchester.

The Godolphin-owned colt is more immediately likely to stay at a mile for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, but trainer Richard Fahey mentioned in the aftermath of his Newbury success that a longer trip would hopefully be within his compass at some stage.

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Fahey told www.sportinglife.com: “The Juddmonte International at York was on my mind over the winter.

“As you saw at Newbury, he appreciates a long straight and he stays well – you could see in the Lockinge how well he saw out his race.

"So maybe York could suit but that's a long way off and, as with all plans going forward, we'll sit down with John (Ferguson, Godolphin racing manager) and see what we come up with."

A son of Iffraaj, Ribchester's only previous attempt at a distance beyond a mile was at Meydan in March, where he was a length third to Japanese challenger Vivlos in the nine-furlong Dubai Turf.