Gold for Galileo in classic battle at Ascot Galileo Gold won the battle of the 2000 Guineas winners in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Hugo Palmer's three-year-old claimed Classic glory at Newmarket in early May, but had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Awtaad in the Irish version at the Curragh and the pair clashed once more in Berkshire. Adding further spice to the mix was the presence of Aidan O'Brien's runaway French Guineas winner The Gurkha and he was sent off the heavily-backed 4-5 favourite. Galileo Gold (6-1) was ridden prominently by Frankie Dettori, with his major rivals adopting more patient tactics. Dettori sent his mount to the front with two furlongs to run and while Awtaad and The Gurkha gave chase, it was all too late as Galileo Gold galloped on to score by a length and a quarter. The Gurkha narrowly beat Awtaad to the runner-up spot, with the trio clear of the field. Dettori said: "Everything went to plan. Three Guineas winners, I managed to get first run on the other two. Hugo was so nervous today - he made me feel nervous when I talked to him. "He's a Guineas winner, a St James's Palace winner - he's a great horse to have. We had a few excuses in Ireland, but he had no place to hide today and he's redeemed himself." Palmer said: "It was a tough challenge but he's the 2000 Guineas winner, and Newmarket's 2000 Guineas is usually the best Group One of the year. "He was given the most magnificent ride - everyone knows there isn't a better pilot round here than Frankie. "I think it's fair to say he's the best three-year-old colt in Europe." Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Al Shaqab Racing, added of the winner: "That's as good a ride as you'll ever see. "He has won fair and square. A Guineas winner that's gone on to win the St James's Palace, it's a fabulous result for Al Shaqab Racing. "It will be the Sussex Stakes (Goodwood) next, I suspect, but I haven't spoken to anyone yet." O'Brien said of The Gurkha: "He ran very well. He travelled well and quickened well. "Frankie got a good position up front with no interference. "We're looking forward to running our horse next time. He can step up in trip if he wants - I don't think he needs to - but we'll see." Kevin Prendergast said of third-placed Awtaad: "He ran a good race but it wasn't his day and the best horse won. We'll have another day. "I've nothing in mind for him, really. We'll get him home, talk to the boss (Sheikh Hamdan) and see what he wants to do."
