The Gurkha Colt Hits The Target

The progressive Rifleman (2c The Gurkha - Dietrich, by Storm Cat) continued on an upward curve when gaining his maiden win in fine style at Kempton on Wednesday.

The John Gosden-trained colt finished strongly to take second last time out over course and distance, and was sent off favourite on his third start under Robert Havlin. Chasing the leaders for much of the seven furlong contest, he was ridden from the two furlong marker and ran on to lead inside the fonal furlong, keeping on to win by three and a quarter lengths, going away.

A Coolmore homebred, Rifleman is a three-parts brother to dual Stakes winner and Group 1 performer Aloft (Galileo). He becomes the latest first crop winner by The Gurkha, who sired a Group 3 winner last month in Best Of Lips.