Galileo Colts Lead Home Leger 1-2 For Ballydoyle

The late Galileo’s legacy was apparent at Doncaster on Saturday, as Ballydoyle colts Jan Brueghel (3c Galileo – Devoted To You, by Danehill Dancer) and Illinois (Galileo) fought out a thrilling finish in the St Leger.

The pair were sent off joint -favourites for the Classic and both took close order behind stablemate Grosvenor Square (Galileo), with Illinois eased into the lead after the three furlong marker. Sean Levey then asked Jan Brueghel too quicken and the bay was ridden to lead 100 yards from home, going on to score by a neck, as Illinois finished a length and a half in front of Deira Mile (Camelot) in third.

“I think he's a Gold Cup horse in the making,” said the winning rider. "Don't be surprised if he steps up a bit next year, he's done that really well.”

Speaking from Leopardstown, Aidan O’Brien commented, “They are two very good horses and clearly there's nothing between them. Sean gave the winner a very good ride and we knew the winner had improved a lot since Goodwood. Either of them could go to Melbourne, they're two classy stayers.”

There to enjoy the win was Derrick Smith, who owns the two colts with Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor, with Westerberg also involved with the winner. “He's unbeaten and didn't even run until May 25, it's incredible,” Smith remarked. “He's very babyish and is going to come on again so it's great.

“Illinois has lost nothing in defeat and I think if they'd gone a bit quicker maybe he might have won it. We've got the first and second so we're not complaining.”

Bred by Barronstown Stud, the son of Galileo is a full-brother to Irish Derby victor Sovereign (Galileo) and Irish St Leger third Dawn Rising (Galileo). He becomes a fourth winner of the Classic by his sire, who is now responsible for a total of 101 top-flight winners.