Galileo Gold to retain Derby option
Galileo Gold could still run in the Epsom Derby despite genetic tests pointing to a lack of staying ability.
A decision will not be made until after the colt attempts to add the Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday week to his victory in the English equivalent.
Trainer Hugo Palmer had appeared to rule the Derby out after pedigree tests suggested the colt had little chance of staying the mile-and-a-half (2400m) of the Derby.
However, owners Al Shaqab Racing do not want to “shut the door completely”.
“We just want to leave all options open because you never know. If he happens to go to Ireland and win impressively, who knows?” Harry Herbert, racing advisor to the owners, said.
“Just to shut the door completely is not something Sheikh Joaan wants to do and that’s absolutely fine.
“I’m not saying he’s going to run in the Derby. That’s not going to happen unless lots of pieces of the jigsaw fall into place and even then he may not run.”