Galileo’s son Telescope outstanding in Royal Ascot G2

Telescope (4c Galileo-Velouette, by Darshaan) produced a scintillating performance to land the G2 Hardwicke Stakes by seven lengths at Royal Ascot on Saturday and bring more big-race glory for Galileo.

The 7/4 favourite, winner of last season’s G2 Dante Stakes, gave trainer Sir Michael Stoute an eighth win in the 12-furlong contest and winning jockey Ryan Moore believes both the trip and the quick ground were the key to Telescope's victory.

“He has got a real good attitude in his races now,” said Moore. “I am delighted with the way he did everything through the race. The ground was a lot better for him today than at Chester last time, as was the trip. I think that's the key to him. This was a career best and hopefully he can push on from here."

Stoute added: "I hope this is the best middle distance performance by an older horse this year. Telescope was written up an awful lot last spring after a maiden win and then they said he was a flop. He has not been a flop - he has never been out of the first two.

"It is great to see him win like that as we have always held him in high regard. I loved the style in which he won it. Hopefully, he will be fine to come here for the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stales. If Telescope put up this performance again, he would be in the shake-up of any big race.”

Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "He is such an exciting horse and, as Ryan was just saying, he is a man now, he has grown up. It has taken him a while to learn how to race and, with his first two races this year, Stoutey always said that he would probably need them.

"These are the nicest group of owners and I am thrilled for them - and they include people from the Bahamas and Australia.”