Motivator lands Doncaster prize

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Motivator claimed the British Flat season's final Group One, the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

Ridden by Kieren Fallon, the two-year-old took up the lead from pacemaker Hills of Aran halfway through the one mile race.

And the 6-4 favourite held off the dogged challenge of Henrik, who faded in the final few strides and was pipped for second by Albert Hall.

Motivator had already figured in the ante-post betting for next year's Classics and the victory has cut his odds still further.

He is already as short as 10-1 with some bookmakers for next year's Epsom Derby.

The victory marked the first British Group One success for trainer Michael Bell.

And the trainer is hoping his star colt can add to that tally next season.

"I have him as a Derby prospect, although I wouldn't rule out going for the Guineas - he's got plenty of speed," said Bell.

Motivator is one of the best two-year-olds I've ridden Kieren Fallon

"It's too early to to say, but maybe The Curragh might suit him better in the Irish Guineas, or he could go for the Dante and the Derby. It's a lovely position to be in."

And Fallon felt that Motivator had won without being at his best.

"He's better than this. I thought he felt flat today," said the Irish jockey.

"Probably it was the end of a long year. He felt much better when I rode him the other morning.

"He's one of the best two-year-olds I've ridden. Albert Hall isn't a bad horse and he brushed him aside. He doesn't mind getting his toe in, but he's a good-ground horse.

"Hopefully he'll do well over the winter because he'll be a very good horse next year. For sure, he'll be a 2000 Guineas and Derby horse."

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Racing Post Trophy (Group One)
Doncaster, One mile

1 Motivator (K Fallon) 6-4f
2 Albert Hall (J Spencer) 5-2
3 Henrik (T Durcan) 12-1
Eight ran. Dist: 2½l, 1l.