Magical Champions Weekend G1 double for Galileo
The incredible Galileo dominated day one of Ireland’s Champions Weekend courtesy of Hydrangea (3f Galileo-Beauty Is Truth, by Pivotal) and Decorated Knight (5h Galileo-Pearling, by Storm Cat).
It was a first top-level success for Hydrangea as she led home a 1-2 for Galileo when coming out ahead of Winter (3f Galileo-Laddies Poker Two, by Choisir) to take an ultra-competitive renewal of the G1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes. It was another big-race success for jockey Wayne Lordan.
“I'm delighted for the filly and I'm delighted for Wayne. She is Winter's work partner all year, and maybe she turned around and said Hydrangea you can have this one today!,” said trainer Aidan O’Brien.
“The winner will stay further. She could go for the G1 Prix de l’Opera. Winter is in the Arc, and the Opera is another option.”
Lordan added: “This filly has been running well all year and has only been beaten three or four lengths by the likes of Winter. She was freshened up after a break and I thought she’d be there or thereabouts.”
The Galileo bonanza continued when the Roger Charlton-trained Decorated Knight swooped late to win the G1 Irish Champion Stakes in the colours of breeders Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar.
It was a third G1 success this year for the gutsy five-year-old.
“He's tough, consistent and very sound. He's produced an amazing turn of foot and ran right to the line,” said trainer Roger Charlton.
“He's been a bit unlucky in his last couple of races. He hated the ground at York, got bashed about at Sandown in the Eclipse and ran a great race at Royal Ascot.
“He's been on the go since March and he's improved and improved. To keep going all season is a tribute to the horse. I was half thinking that this might be his last race. I guess we will now look at the G1 Champion Stakes in Ascot.”
Jockey Andrea Atzeni added: “I've being very lucky to ride some good horses in big races through my career and this is one of my special days. He’s shown how good he is today and he could go anywhere now. He’s already won three Group 1s.”