Galileo Influence Apparent In Latest Royal Ascot Victory

Friday provided yet another reminder of the loss of Galileo, as Changingoftheguard (3c Galileo - Lady Lara, by Excellent Art) became his late sire’s third winner of the week at Royal Ascot when taking the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained bay was impressive when winning his first two starts this season, including when drawing over six lengths clear in the Group 3 Chester Vase. A fine fifth in the Epsom Derby last time out, the progressive colt was sent off favourite for the mile and a half contest and led from the early stages under Ryan Moore. Ridden after the three furlong pole, he stayed on well to deny late challenger Grand Alliance (Churchill) by a short head, with the pair drawing four lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, O’Brien said, “Changingoftheguard is lovely and genuine and he'll stay further. He just seems to keep going and refuses to surrender. They have to have an incredible constitution to run so quickly after a race like the Derby.”

Co-owner John Magnier attributed the winner’s admirable attitude to his sire. “It's well known and has been well discussed that sons and daughters of Galileo have that will to win and it's coming through in the likes of Changingoftheguard. The secret is already out.”

As for where Changingoftheguard will be seen next, O’Brien said, “He'll be happy going the Leger trip and we'll see how he comes out of this before making a plan.”

Changingoftheguard completed a double on the day for owners Westerberg, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. The son of Galileo was bred by BV Sangster out of Grade 2 heroine Lady Lara, whose two-year-old colt by Galileo sold to BBA Ireland and Yulong Investments for €250,000 last year.