Guineas winner Galileo Gold to miss Derby
Genetic tests on 2000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold have convinced his trainer not to set the colt for the Epsom Derby.
Hugo Palmer said the tests showed the 2000 Guineas winner had less than a one per cent chance of running a strong 2400 metres and Galileo Gold would instead head to the Irish 2000 Guineas on May 22.
“Nobody who witnessed the speed and power of Galileo Gold winning the 2000 Guineas will be surprised to learn that the result of his Equinome tests – from the scientists at University College Dublin – is what they call a ‘CC’,” Palmer said.
“This means that there is a less than one per cent chance of his optimum trip being a mile-and-a-half and therefore, having consulted with Harry Herbert and Sheikh Joaan (of Al Shaqab Racing), I can reveal that the horse will not be running in the Derby.
“Our priority is now to cement his position as a superstar miler and, all being well, we will now run in the Irish 2000 Guineas, and hopefully then on to the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.”
The news Galileo Gold would not run in the Derby leaves the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly Minding as the 5-2 favourite for the Derby at Epsom in June.