Constantinople Continues Stable’s Strong Record in Gallinule Stakes

Constantinople (3c Galileo - One Moment In Time, by Danehill) became Aidan O’Brien’s 16th winner of the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes when justifying favouritism in the ten furlong feature at the Curragh on Friday.

An impressive ten length winner of his maiden last October, the bay colt experienced trouble in running on his seasonal return, when he was beaten just a shorthead. He enjoyed a clearer passage on Friday, as Ryan Moore rode him towards the back of the field and began to ease forward from three furlongs out. Ridden to take second inside the final furlong, he ran on well to beat Buckhurst (Australia) by half a length, the front pair stretching over four lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, O’Brien said, “He's a lovely big horse and is still a big baby. He quickened well and came home well. He's a nice mover and appreciates good ground. We could pick a race for him in (Royal) Ascot but will go gentle with him.”

The winning son of Galileo is a full-brother to Bondi Beach, a multiple Stakes winner for the same connections and beaten just a head in the British St. Leger. Their unraced dam is a full-sister to dual Group 1 winner Simply Perfect.