‘Galileo Gold best 3yo miler in Europe’

Galileo Gold gave Al Shaqab Racing their first Classic victory winning the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in April. On Tuesday, the colt further enhanced his reputation winning the St James’s Palace Stakes (Gr1) on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
The race, considered as the apex for three-year-old milers, brought together three Guineas heroes, with Awtaad, winner of the Irish Guineas, and The Gurkha, the French Guineas topper, joining Hugo Palmer’s charge for bragging rights.
Having beaten The Gurkha for the win and bouncing back with a victory after a second place behind Awtaad in Ireland, the son of Paco Boy is being called the “best three-year-old colt in Europe”.
After Galileo Gold’s win on Tuesday, Palmer said, “It was a tough challenge but he’s the 2000 Guineas winner, and Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas is usually the best Group 1 of the year. He was given the most magnificent ride; everyone knows there isn’t a better pilot round here than Frankie (Dettori). I think it’s fair to say he’s the best three-year-old colt in Europe.”
Dettori was all praise for his ride. “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 feel nervous when I talked to him. He’s a Guineas winner, a St James’s Palace winner — he’s a great horse to have. We had a few excuses in Ireland, but he had no place to hide today and he has redeemed himself.”
Al Shaqab Racing executive director was palpably delighted with the win secured on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
“It is an excellent start on the first day of Royal Ascot. This motivates us to deliver better results throughout the event up to Saturday,” he said.
“Galileo Gold has confirmed that he is the best three-year-old miler in Europe as demonstrated by his win yesterday. He was the best in the race, which saw other French and Irish Guineas winners, but he was up to the challenge and the confidence he enjoys in Al Shaqab.
“No doubt the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani motivates us all to work for more victories and maintaining the world-class status of Al Shaqab,” noted al-Attiyah.