The United States 750

Galileo Stayer Wins Moonee Valley Cup

Irish bred stayer The United States (6h Galileo c Beauty is Truth, by Pivotal) was a Group III winner back in Ireland, but landed his first big Australian win when taking out the Group II MVRC Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Saturday. Trained by Robert Hickmott for Nick and Lloyd Williams and partners, The United States finished hard with a well-timed run for Hugh Bowman to win the 2500 metre staying test by half a length in record time. "He switched off lovely. It was a fast run race and it was a test of stamina,” Bowman said. "He did it well but he’ll be even better suited if they went a touch slower and he would have a big sprint on him.” The United States firmed from $101 into $31 with the TAB for the 2015 Melbourne Cup, but part-owner Nick Williams said plans were yet to be finalised. "He’s a horse we’ve had a huge opinion of,” Williams said. "He’s had a bit of bad luck at his last two starts but we saw the real horse today and a fantastic ride by Hughie Bowman.” The United States is half-brother to Group III winner Fire Lily from Group II winner Beauty is Truth.