Gringotts has earned his first Group 1 victory, narrowly defeating stars Fangirl and Ceolwulf in a thrilling George Ryder Stakes, proving he’s a serious contender for the upcoming Doncaster Mile.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding, who had yet to win a Group 1, held off Fangirl ($5) to win the 1500m weight-for-age race by a nose, with Ceolwulf ($3.90) finishing another nose away in third.

Having won the $3 million Big Dance and $1 million The Gong last spring, Gringotts has steadily developed into a Group 1 contender. Trainer Maher confirmed the five-year-old would target the Doncaster next.

Jockey Tommy Berry, marking his first Group 1 win since 2022, returned to the saddle after a neck and shoulder injury. “It’s felt like a long road back,” Berry said. “I’ve had a lot of faith in this horse.”

Gringotts is now equal favourite at $6 for the Doncaster Mile, alongside Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker.