Ascot Gold Cup Victory Completes Royal Double For Galileo

Kyprios (4c Galileo - Polished Gem, by Danehill) completed a quickfire Royal Ascot double for the late Galileo when justifying favouritism in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup on Thursday.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge came into the race with an unbeaten record this season and most recently drew 14 lengths clear in the Group 3 Saval Beg Stakes over a mile and six furlongs. Stepping up to two and a half miles for the first time at Ascot, he raced in midfield under Ryan Moore, who asked the chesnut to quicken from four furlongs out. Making headway as he came wide on the turn for home, he led from two furlongs out and was ridden out to score by half a length, as Mojo Star and Stradivarius did their best to narrow the gap.

“It wasn't a nice race to ride,” Moore revealed after the race. “It wasn't a true test today but he was much the best and there will be lots of good days with him. I know he's only won a short distance but I think he's a very good staying horse.”

“He's brave, genuine and a great horse,” O’Brien added. “Ryan gave him a marvellous ride and had belief in him. When he really wanted him, he answered. We think he is a horse to look forward to.” On future plans, he continued, “He could go to Goodwood next and there's the Irish St Leger. We'll have to see how he is but I think everybody will want to aim at the Gold Cup every year.”

Kyprios has now won five of his seven starts for breeders Moyglare Stud, who race the son of Galileo with Magnier, Tabor, Smith and Westerberg. The high-class stayer is a full-brother to three Stakes winners, including dual Irish St. Leger heroine Search For A Song (Galileo).

The Jessica Harrington-trained Magical Lagoon (3f Galileo - Night Lagoon, by Lagunas) gained her second Group success in the preceding contest, the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes.

Successful in a Group 3 as a juvenile, the Zhang Yuesheng-owned bay was narrowly denied on her three-year-old return and stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time on Thursday. She raced prominently throughout under Shane Foley and was pushed along approaching the three furlong marker, producing a strong challenge a furlong later. Leading after the two furlong pole, she dug deep when challenged and kept on well to deny the favourite by half a length.

Harrington later gave a glowing report on the winner, saying, “She's very easy to train. She has a lovely temperament and is very relaxed about life. I always knew that if she got into a battle, she'd be really tough. She's a beautiful, powerful filly, she really is.” Looking to the future, she said, “The plan was to come here and then go to the Irish Oaks. All being well, that's still the plan.”

Bought by connections as a yearling for 305,000gns, Magical Lagoon was bred by Coolmore and is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Novellist.