Oaks Filly for Wootton Bassett

Tara Madgwick - Monday May 6

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is a big name in the world of soccer, but is also making a mark as a racehorse owner with Wootton Bassett (GB) filly Gala Real, who he co-owns, showing serious Group I potential with a storming win in the Listed Prix de la Seine (2200m) at Longchamp on Sunday.

Trained by Alessandro and Giuseppe Botti, Gala Real was unplaced at her only start last year, but has returned this year to post two impressive wins in lesser grade and made it three on the trot when powering to the line to win her first attempt in stakes class by a short neck as favourite.

Advertisement

“I was devastated when she lost first time out, but she won very well on her second start and I am not surprised she won so easily today,” revealed Alessandro Botti.

“She enjoyed a good winter, she worked with [Christophe] Soumillon and he said she sent him great vibes. The idea, and it was already the case before she ran today, is to have her at her best for the  Prix de Diane [G1 June 16] and we will try to find a race for her between now and then.”

Purchased for €270,000 from the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale by Meridian International, Gala Real has won three of four starts and is the first winner for Cala Violina, a winning half-sister by Lope de Vega to stakes-winner Fenelon from Group III winning Galileo mare Aigue Marine.

She is the 41st stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett, who is due back in Australia at Coolmore this spring with his first Sothern Hemisphere bred two year-olds to run here next season.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Generation Foals Built for Speed
Victorian farm Lovatsville offer a diverse stallion roster for this spring geared to satisfy a wide spectrum of breeder ambitions and if explosive Aussie speed is your thing then Snitzel stallion Generation will fit the bill.
Blueblood Fillies From $3million Mares
Tom Magnier has been notable for his purchase of elite race fillies and broodmares in recent years to enhance the stellar Coolmore broodmare band and two of his $3million plus mare purchases have produced stunning fillies this spring.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Caulfield
Three barrier trials at Caulfield on Thursday morning produced heat winners for first season sires Wild Ruler and Profiteer with the quickest winner being Free Flying, the half-sister by Snitzel to brilliant Group winning mare Learning to Fly.
New Stakes-Winner for Zoustar
The $150,000 Listed Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) provided reigning champion sire Zoustar with a new stakes-winner when seven year-old gelding Multinational led for home and could not be caught.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 2
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
NZ Derby Hero Willydoit Primed for Epsom
Last season’s New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit will step back into the spotlight on Saturday when he contests the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick for trainer Ciaron Maher, with jockey Tommy Berry bullish the horse is ready to make his mark over the famous mile.
Melody Belle Daughter Set for Long Awaited Debut
It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song, a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle, makes her debut.
Milan Park Experience Highs and Lows
Tony Rider experienced the extreme highs and lows of breeding thoroughbreds within a matter of hours on Wednesday.
One to Watch – Geelong
Trilogy Racing will have high hopes for the their talented filly Queen of Clubs in the Group I ATC Flight Stakes on Saturday and their colours were in the frame at Geelong on Thursday carried by a Zoustar filly that saluted on debut.