Decorated Knight (5h Galileo-Pearling, by Storm Cat) spearheaded a Group 1 1-2-3 for Coolmore sires when winning the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on Sunday.
The Galileo entire was winning his second G1 of the year, having captured the G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan in March.
Home-bred by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, the five-year-old held off a fast-finishing Somehow (4f Fastnet Rock-Alexandrova, by Sadler’s Wells). In third place was another son of Galileo, Deauville (4c Galileo-Walklikeanegyptian, by Danehill).
Winning trainer Roger Charlton admitted the rain-softended ground had been a concern for him ahead of the race.
“I was very worried when I saw the ground yesterday. I knew the forecast was for heavy showers yesterday but not like an inch or whatever they had,” said Charlton.
“This horse has improved and improved. The Group 1 race he won in Meydan wouldn't have been the strongest race and this is a stronger race. He keeps on improving.
“He won with his ears pricked and was pulling up in front. When Somehow came to him he picked up again. He can't do more than that. Somehow is a good filly and it's fair form.”
Decorated Knight, who is out of Giant’s Causeway’s full-sister Pearling, also impressed his rider, Andrea Atzeni.
“He travelled beautifully through the race and won cosy in the end. He has a high cruising speed and a good turn of foot,” said Atzeni.
