By Daithi Harvey
Classic winner Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}–Galicuix {GB}, by Galileo {Ire}) has been retired from racing due to a soft tissue injury sustained in the G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S. at Newbury earlier this month. The Hugo Palmer-trained colt built on the promise he showed as a 2-year-old, which included winning the G2 Qatar Vintage S. at Goodwood, by kicking off his 3-year-old season in style with a clear-cut win in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last year. Although beaten by Awtaad (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas on his next start, he got his revenge on that rival when beating The Gurkha (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Awtaad in the G1 St James's Palace S. at Royal Ascot on his next start.
Frankie Dettori was at his tactical best that day and commented, “Galileo Gold was a very willing partner with a
big heart. We had some great moments together, it's a real shame that he can't continue his racing career.”
Galileo Gold lost nothing in defeat on his next start when just outgunned by The Gurkha in the G1 Qatar Sussex S. at Goodwood with subsequent dual Group 1 winner Ribchester (Ire) in third. That was the last time Galileo Gold would finish in the top three.
Trainer Hugo Palmer commented, “I feel enormously privileged to have trained Galileo Gold. He was a standout from the very start and at his peak, in the 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace, he proved himself to be an exceptional miler. If his progeny inherit half his talent and willingness they will be a joy to train.”
Al Shaqab's general manager Khalifa Al Attiya commented,”Galileo Gold will remain a very special racehorse to us all at Al Shaqab, who made history by bringing home our very first Classic trophy. He will now be starting a new exciting career at stud, and we feel confident that such a standout miler who performed at the highest level at 2 and 3-years-old will be very well received by the European breeders.”
Out of a half-sister to MG1SW Goldream (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Galileo Gold retires with a race record of 12-5-3-1 for earnings of £960,886. Galileo Gold's fouth dam is French highweight, GSW and G1SP Floripedes (Fr) (Top Ville {Ire}), who produced European champion and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Montjeu (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). Stud plans will be announced later.
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