Soft-tissue injury ends Galileo Gold's career

Last year's 2,000 Guineas hero Galileo Gold, who gave owners Al Shaqab Racing a first Classic victory, has been retired after sustaining an injury in the Lockinge.

The four-year-old, who also won the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot in 2016 for Hugo Palmer, returned to action at Newbury this month but could finish only fifth behind Ribchester.

A soft tissue injury has since been discovered, and it has led to the retirement of the son of Paco Boy, who will now head off to stud.

Palmer said: "I feel enormously privileged to have trained Galileo Gold. He was a standout from the very start and at his peak, in the 2,000 Guineas and St James' Palace Stakes, he proved himself to be an exceptional miler.

"If his progeny inherit half his talent and willingness they will be a joy to train."

Frankie Dettori was aboard Galileo Gold for all but three of his 12 starts, including the 2,000 Guineas, and he added: "Galileo Gold gave Al Shaqab their first Classic winner, he 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 earned £960,886 in a career which also featured a victory in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes.

Al Shaqab's general manager Khalifa Al Attiya added: “Galileo Gold will remain a very special racehorse to us all at Al Shaqab. He made history by bringing home our very first Classic trophy.

"He will now be starting an exciting new career at stud, and we feel confident that as such a standout miler who performed at the highest level at two and three, he will be very well received by European breeders.”

Stud plans will be announced at a later date.

Galileo Gold in numbers

4 age

1 Classic victory

5 career wins

12 runs

£960,866 earnings

123 Highest Rating Post Rating