Europe: Motivator takes Post Trophy

Motivator justified his 3-2 favoritism and gave trainer Michael Bell a Group 1 victory in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in England. Coming into the race after only one start, the least experienced member of the field shrugged any worries of greenness aside when he hit the front 2 1/2 furlongs out.

He ran on gamely under Kieren Fallon to hold off the fast-finishing Albert Hall and Henrik with ease. Motivator's owners, the Royal Ascot Racing Club, will now point their winner to next year's classics.

Rated by Fallon afterward as one of the best juvenile colts he has ridden, Motivator coped with the soft ground here, but his connections said quicker ground next spring will not inconvenience him.