Gretchen is G2 heroine for Galileo

Normandie Stud’s home-bred Gretchen (3f Galileo-Dolores, by Danehill) added to her family’s excellent record when winning the G2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday. The Galileo filly was given a peach of a ride by jockey Rob Havlin, who wore down front-running Melodious as they hit the furlong pole. The pair eventually got the measure of Asyad, who finished a further half a length back in third, and battled all the way to the line, with the John Gosden-trained winner getting her head in front where it mattered. Philippa Cooper of Normandie Stud commented: "All credit has to go to John and the team at Clarehaven as he trained her half-brother, Samuel, to win the Doncaster Cup (in 2010). We thought she'd stay as her other half-brother, Duncan, won the Yorkshire Cup (in 2011) and the Irish St Leger (in 2011). What a family they have been." "I started the stud in 1997 so we've been going exactly 18 years. I didn't set myself any goals and I remember in 2010 that a lot of people kept reminding me that I hadn't bred a Group winner but then they started coming. That's not what it's about though and you should always do something in life that you enjoy." Gosden returned the compliment to his owner following the race. "It's great when they come out of this stud and progress the way they do," said the trainer. "She's out of this wonderful mare Delores who had produced Doncaster Cup winners and full marks to the team at Normandie Stud who foal them, rear them and look after them just for us to get all the glory. "They are very meticulous at the stud. All their horses know exactly what to do and how to behave. Robert has given the filly a wonderful ride too - he's an integral part of the team at home, riding them out as well as riding them on the racecourse."