Al Shaqab's Galileo Gold wins the battle of the Guineas winners
Billed as the battle of the 2,000 Guineas heroes, it was Newmarket winner Galileo Gold and Frankie Dettori who came out on top in the St James's Palace Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot 2016.
The Hugo Palmer-trained three-year-old belied heavy odds to add the Royal Ascot Group One feature to his Newmarket success.
He may bid for more Group One glory in the Sussex Stakes, and could also renew rivalries with The Gurkha, who finished a length and a quarter behind in second, under Ryan Moore. Kevin Prendergast's Awtaad, who was a further half a length back in third, may also be involved in any rematch.
But for, Galileo Gold stands as the top three-year-old miler following his superb success at the Royal meeting.
Palmer said: "It was a tough challenge but he's the 2000 Guineas winner, and Newmarket's 2,000 Guineas is usually the best Group One of the year.
"He was given the most magnificent ride — everyone knows there isn't a better pilot round here than Frankie. I think it's fair to say he's the best three-year-old colt in Europe," he said.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Al Shaqab Racing, confirmed the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 27 is the likely next step.
He said: "That's as good a ride as you'll ever see. He has won fair and square. A Guineas winner that's gone on to win the St James's Palace, it's a fabulous result for Al Shaqab Racing. It’ll be the Sussex Stakes next, I suspect, but I haven't spoken to anyone yet."
Dettori, riding his 53rd Royal Ascot winner, took it up two furlong from home and had his rivals in trouble.
After the victory, he treated the crowd to a familiar flying dismount in the winner's enclosure. And he was delighted with another Group One winner, saying: "Everything went to plan. Three Guineas winners, I managed to get first run on the other two. Hugo was so nervous today — he made me feeling nervous when I talked to him. He's a Guineas winner, a St James's Palace winner — he's a great horse to have.
Courtesy: liverpoolecho.co.uk
