Ridden as on his debut by Tony Hamilton he overcame a poor start and stayed on well in the closing stages to finish second behind Ajaya with Raucous in third place.

On his first appearance for his new owner Ribchester was partnered by James Doyle and started the 13/8 favourite for the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury Racecourse on 19 September.

After racing towards the rear of the field he moved up on the outside, overtook Log Out Island approaching the final furlong and despite looking "green" (inexperienced) he stayed on to win by one and a quarter lengths.

Ridden by William Buick he raced in mid-division before staying on in the last quarter mile to finish third of the thirteen runners behind Galileo Gold and Massaat.

At Royal Ascot in June Ribchester was again partnered by Buick when he was dropped in distance for the seven-furlong Jersey Stakes in which, as a Group Two winner, he had to carry a five-pound weight penalty.

[10] Fahey admitted that he had "chickened out" of running the colt in the more competitive St James's Palace Stakes but added "Mentally, the horse is a huge baby and still backward, and he's going to make a lovely four-year-old.

Ribchester produced a strong late run on the outside but in a very tight finish he was beaten into third place, a short head and a neck behind The Gurkha and Galileo Gold.

On 14 August Ribchester was sent to France for the second time and started 2.75/1 second favourite behind Galileo Gold for the Prix Jacques Le Marois over 1600 metres at Deauville Racecourse.

Ribchester was restrained by Buick in mid-division as Galileo Gold and Arod disputed the early lead before making a forward move in the last 400 metres.

"[13] On his final run of the year, Ribchester started the 7/2 second favourite behind Minding for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over the straight mile course at Ascot Racecourse on 15 October.

On his return to Europe the colt contested the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May and started 7/4 favourite in front of seven opponents headed by Galileo Gold and the Irish filly Somehow.

[17] Ribchester was generally expected to add to his tally of Group 1 wins in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on 2 August especially after his main rival Churchill was withdrawn on account of the exceptionally testing conditions.

Racing on soft, wet turf in heavy rain, Ribchester led for most of the way but was overtaken in the final furlong and despite rallying strongly in the closing strides he was beaten a neck by the 20/1 outsider Here Comes When.