Exciting Son Of Galileo Gains First Stakes Success

Up Helly Aa (3c Galileo - Fiesolana, by Aussie Rules) confirmed himself as an exciting prospect when justifying favoritism in Tuesday’s Listed Navigation Stakes at Cork.

The first foal out of Willie McCreery’s talented mare Fiesolana, the Flaxman Stables’ homebred won his maiden impressively in June and followed up with a fine second in the Group 3 Meld Stakes. He raced in mid-division for much of the mile and half a furlong contest, with Billy Lee asking him to quicken from two furlongs out and the bay readily obliged, chasing down the leaders to lead close home. The winning margin was a neck, with previous Group 3 winner Pincheck claiming runners-up honours.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Willie McCreery commented, “I think he's going to be a super horse next year. He's still maturing and the dam was something similar, she didn't mature until she was four and five. He has a great mind. He could be a mile horse when he's stronger and sharper next year. Once I have him in the yard, we can dream. He's one that gets you out of bed during the winter.”