Royal Ascot 2016: Frankie Dettori strikes Gold with Galileo in battle of the Guineas heroes
Trainer Hugo Palmer hailed Galileo Gold as the best three-year-old colt in Europe after Frankie Dettori rode the 6/1 chance to glory in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
The 2000 Guineas winner prevailed by just over a length from even-money favourite and French Guineas hero The Gurkha, with Irish Guineas victor Awtaad third.
“He was given the most magnificent ride – everyone knows there isn’t a better pilot round here than Frankie,” said Palmer. “I think it’s fair to say he’s the best three-year-old colt in Europe.”
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Evergreen Dettori, 45, said: “Everything went to plan. Three Guineas winners – I managed to get first run on the other two. He’s a Guineas winner, a St James’s Palace winner; he’s a great horse to have.”
On an opening day rich with storylines, Adam Kirby saw 4/1 shot Profitable home in the King’s Stand Stakes just hours after the jockey’s partner Megan had given birth to a son.
“It’s all been a bit hectic, not for me but for Megan,” Kirby said. “She was going through it when I left her in the hospital. I think she had the baby half an hour before the first race. I’ll never forget his birthday.”
Earlier 11-2 chance Tepin became the first American-trained runner to win the Queen Anne Stakes, Julien Leparoux guiding the Mark Casse-trained mare to victory by half a length from Belardo in the week’s opening race.