The colours of Al Shaqab Racing lived a great moment at Newmarket yesterday when Galileo Gold created history by winning the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas (Gr1).
Fast in the lead, the Frankie Dettori ridden Galileo Gold accelerated decisively at the 400m post and quickly left his rivals behind.
This success is the first one for the Qatari silks of Al Shaqab Racing in a European classic race.
Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, Al Shaqab Racing General Manager, was thrilled with the win.
“Galileo Gold was not a first favourite. He had to defy odds with other odds-on favourites.  Pressure was already there on us at Al Shaqab Racing team, especially as we were looking forward to winning this title and confirming Al Shaqab’s commitment to continue victories at Europe’s premier racecourses,” said al-Attiyah.
“That’s why our happiness is so great to win this race at Newmarket today. We hope to continue such victories and add more titles, especially as there are plans for Galileo Gold to run in several world-class races this season.”
Galileo Gold went up a level in the winter. He is trained by Hugo Palmer who also won his first classic yesterday. “I am very lucky to train a horse like him. He is a very good horse who keeps improving. We have worked a lot with him. Not against him but to teach him to be better.” Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) General Manager, was elated with Galileo Gold’s  success.
“This victory adds a lot to Qatar’s equestrian sport in general,” said al-Kaabi “It is the first of its kind for Qatar given the value of this race which has been staged for 208 years now. Galileo Gold has made history with this well-deserved victory over a field of top-class horses. In fact, he defied the odds and made a pleasant surprise, enhancing the standing of Qatar’s equestrian sport worldwide.”