Son Of Galileo Passes Leger Trial With Flying Colours

Friday’s Irish St Leger Trial at the Curragh saw Southern France (3c Galileo - Alta Anna, by Anabaa) return to winning ways, following admirable runs in defeat this season.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt finished fourth in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup last time out to Stradivarius, to whom he finished second in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup earlier in the year. He was sent off favourite under Ryan Moore, who held him behind the leaders, improving into second three furlongs from home and was pushed along to lead a furlong and a half out. Staying on well, he won by two lengths, as Downdraft (Camelot) ran on to take second.

O’Brien afterwards confirmed that Southern France will return for the Irish St Leger, as will stablemate Capri, who finished fourth on Friday. Southern France was bred by Lynch-Bages and Rhinestone Bloodstock and is one of three winners out of Alta Anna, a half-sister to Group 3 winner and French Oaks second Abbatiale.