Galileo Colt Follows In Siblings’ Illustrious Footsteps

Cape Of Good Hope (3c Galileo - Hveger, by Danehill) added to a page already prolific in black-type wins when taking the Listed Investec Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on Wednesday.

Placed in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes and Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes as a juvenile, Wednesday saw Aidan O’Brien’s charge step up to ten furlongs for the first time, on his first start of the season. Ryan Moore settled the bay in midfield as Massam and Sameem blazed a trail out in front, improving his position approaching the three furlong pole and waited until approaching the final furlong to make his challenge. Staying on well, Cape Of Good Hope led inside the final furlong and held off a late challenge by Cap Francais to win by half a length.

Representing winning owners Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, Kevin Buckley later commented, “Cape Of Good Hope brought some of the best form into the race and it's good to get some experience around Epsom. Ryan said he settled nicely and responded well. We'll see how he comes out of this and talk to the owners but, on that performance, you'd like to think he'd be coming back.”

A 240,000gns yearling purchase by M.V. Magnier, Cape Of Good Hope was bred to be special, being a full-brother to globetrotting superstar and young Coolmore stallion Highland Reel, as well as three-time Group winner Idaho, who was also placed at Group 1 level on multiple occasions. Their dam, Hveger, was talented in her own right, and is a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Elvstroem.