O’Brien Pays Tribute To Galileo After 100th Group 1 Winner
Content (3f Galileo – Mecca’s Angel, by Dark Angel) wrote the latest chapter in Galileo’s history-making career when becoming his 100th Group 1 winner at York on Thursday.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly was sent off favourite in a thrilling renewal of the Yorkshire Oaks, having placed behind rivals You Got To Me, Emily Upjohn and Bluestocking (Camelot) on her two previous starts. Ridden in touch by Ryan Moore, she raced solo on the far side and was asked to challenge approaching the final furlong. She led inside the final furlong and ran on gamely to deny You Got To Me by three parts of a length, with another length back to Emily Upjohn in third.
O’Brien was quick to reference Content’s late sire. “She's a typical example of Galileo,” he said. “No matter if there's no more left, if their legs can move they'll put them out there. Ninety-nine per cent of thoroughbreds will get faint-hearted at that stage, haul up the flag, but they don't. They're so genuine.”
The in-form Ryan Moore echoed his comments, saying, “She's a typical Galileo, she's very brave and tried hard.”
Looking forward, O’Brien mentioned various options for the progressive filly. “She could go to one of the fillies trials, like a Vermeille. She could end up in an Arc, or in America. She's definitely going to be better where the pace is strong; it'll be amazing to see what she can do off that kind of a pace.”
Bred by Coolmore, who own the bay with Westerberg, Content is closely related to impressive Royal Ascot heroine Bedtime Story.