Rounding out the five Group One races at Rosehill this afternoon was the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m), won by Japanese visitor Real Impact.

Real Impact (outside) beats Criterion (inside) on the line in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes. Photo by Steve Hart.

Kermadec flopped out the gates, getting to the back of the field, while Cosmic Endeavour drove through the field to take the lead before being overtaken by Real Impact. Rounding out the first four were It’s Somewhat and Hooked.

With 300 metres to go, the David Hayes & Tom Dabernig-trained Criterion went to the front, battling it out with Real Impact. The pair raced to the line with the Noriyuki Hori-trained seven-year-old just having enough to out bob on the line while Chris Waller’s three-year-old Kermadec did well to finish third considering his failed jump.

Real Impact stayed straight for the majority of the race and when he thought he was in front of the other runners enough, went down the rails in a tough performance.

James McDonald delivered the winning ride, his second of the day after nabbing the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) with Contributer earlier in the day.

“He’s an awesome horse,” the jockey said.

“He began really well and they said he can be a bit ‘iffy’ but he got into a lovely rhythm.

“I set him alight about 600 from home and he stayed on, the big fella!

“He (Criterion) fought really hard but my horse found another gear once that horse got to him.

“I don’t think he’s going to win a big race by a big margin, so I’m glad my head was down when the winning post came up.”

Real Impact has won over $5 million in prize money from his 26 career starts and will next be seen in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 4 at Randwick, day one of The Championships.

Punters who backed Real Impact to win the 2015 George Ryder Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au enjoyed a lucrative payout with odds of $13.

2015 George Ryder Stakes Results