Hugo Palmer© Photo Healy Racing
Frankie Dettori steered Galileo Gold to an impressive success in the Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Trained by Hugo Palmer, who only recently tasted Classic glory with Irish Oaks heroine Covert Love, Galileo Gold was a 9-2 chance following successive wins at Salisbury and Haydock.
Dettori was happy to play the waiting game in the seven-furlong Group Two and remained nearer last than first leaving the back straight.
However, Galileo Gold remained full of running and when the gap came on the far side of the track, he picked up well to get to the lead and he galloped on well for a three-quarter-length victory.
Ibn Malik just held on for the runner-up spot from Palawan, who ran an excellent race having hung across the track in the straight and raced away from the action. Favourite Birchwood did not get much luck in running.
Dettori said: "It was a strong wind and everyone was trying to get cover. They are two-year-olds, so they're bound to run around a bit in the straight, but he showed a good attitude and I was very impressed.
"I got a good run through on the inside, he was very brave and quickened up very well.
"It's the first runner of the meeting for us (Al Shaqab Racing), we've started off with a winner and my boss (Sheikh Joaan) is here today.
"He's put a lot of money in this week and it's nice for him to get a bit of reward back."
Dettori feels Galileo Gold will have no trouble stepping up in distance.
He said: "He took the gap when it came and he showed good courage. He's won well in the end, because William Buick's horse (Birchwood) just touched his quarters and it made him unbalanced for a bit.
"He galloped all the way to the line and looking at his size, he'll get further.
"He's beaten the best around there. From that draw, there was no point going five wide, so I took a chance and then you are in the lap of the gods.
"He's quirky, but he's learning. He's travelled and quickened nicely. That's the first time I've sat on him and I'm very impressed."
The owner's racing manager, Harry Herbert, said: "It's so exciting. Sheikh Joaan has just arrived to see the race and see Goodwood in all its glory. He is sponsoring the meeting this year, it's a dream start.
"I'm thrilled, too, for Hugo, who is on his honeymoon and can't be here. I've just spoken to him and he's watching from the beach in Turkey.
"The Sheikh has always said he wants to support the younger trainers as well. If we're lucky enough to buy a horse like this, we always keep the horse with the trainer and if it's a young trainer and someone whose career is just beginning to blossom and flourish, it's a bonus.
"I love this horse. He's got size and scope and he's a wonderful mix between Paco Boy, his sire, and there's a lot of Galileo coming in from the dam's side. He's an exciting prospect and the best is yet to come, hopefully.
"I don't think Frankie has ever ridden better in his life. He's on top of his form, that was a masterful piece of riding and he makes it fun."
On future plans, Herbert said: "I've only spoken briefly to Hugo, but looking at the horse we must preserve him for the future. We'll look at races like the Dewhurst and on Qatar weekend at Longchamp.
"Autumn races are the key, he handles this ground well which bodes well for that time of year.
"He'll have two more runs maximum this year I'd have thought and I'm sure he will go further in time."
Charlie Hills was delighted with the performance of Ibn Malik off the back of a maiden victory at Newmarket.
He said: "That was a very good run for a horse having just his second start and he's a nice horse.
"He's in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster (September 12), but we won't rush him."
