Well Bought – Chief Little Rock wins G3 Gallinule Stakes

Tara Madgwick - Monday May 27

The Frankel colt that topped the Magic Millions Weanling Sale opening session on Sunday for $500,000 had a three-quarter brother by Galileo racing in Ireland last night and progressive colt Chief Little Rock led all the way and bolted clear to win the Group III Gallinule Stakes by nearly four lengths.

Chief Little Rock wins the G3 Gallinule by a space - image ITM Twitter

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, Chief Little Rock set a good tempo in front and relished the challenge bowling along to claim his first stakes win with ease.

“Chief Little Rock stays very well, we always thought a mile and a half would be no problem,” said O’Brien.

“He is a very honest and genuine horse and could go to Ascot or back here for the Irish Derby.”

A full brother to Group placed stayer Okita Soushi, Chief Little Rock runs for the Coolmore partners and is now the first stakes-winner for Group I winning Fastnet Rock mare Amicus, who comes from the family of champion sprinter and sire Starspangledbanner.

Advertisement

The 374th stakes-winner for much missed legendary sire Galileo, Chief Little Rock has been super consistent with two wins and four placings from six starts.

His dam Amicus was returned to Australia last year in foal to Frankel and the colt from that mating made $500,000 for Coolmore when purchased by Clarke Bloodstock, Cunningham Thoroughbreds and Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker.

$500,000 Frankel colt from Amicus - image Inglis

She is now in foal to St Mark’s Basilica (Fr).

Advertisment
More Reading...
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 30
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
2025 G1 Epsom Handicap Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw has been decided for the Group I Epsom Handicap on Saturday with odds-on favourite and unbeaten mare Autumn Glow drawing the extreme outside gate in a field of 14.
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
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.
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).