Champion
sire Galileo might have drawn a blank in the classic Guineas races this year,
but was back in the Group I groove overnight where his three year-old filly Forever
Together won the Group I Epsom Oaks.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Forever Together was tackling the Oaks at just her
fourth start and came into the race off a strong last start second in the
Listed Cheshire Oaks.
She relished the longer journey to score a commanding four and a half length
win with Donnacha O'Brien in the saddle.
"Forever Together was very impressive. I got a beautiful trip and followed Ryan
(Ryan Moore rode Magic Wand to finish fourth), who edged over and gave me a bit
of company to the rail. I got on the rail and she's very genuine and galloped
to the line. She's a proper staying filly," Donnacha O'Brien said.
Bought for 900,000 euros at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale by MV Magnier, Forever
Together was the highest priced filly at that sale and second highest overall.
She is a full sister to Group I winning filly Together Forever and half-sister
to Group I winner Lord Shanakill being from terrific producer Green Room, the
dam of seven winners from eight runners.
Forever Together may well add another Oaks to the resume with the Irish Oks a
likely next target.
"This is incredible. I am so delighted for everyone," said Aidan O'Brien.
"Forever Together is a staying filly who gets the trip very well and is
obviously by Galileo, which is a massive advantage. Donnacha gave her an
unbelievable ride. I am over the moon.
"It went according enough to plan. We weren't sure about the ground - who
would act on it and who wouldn't. Donnacha rides her in all her work and he was
very happy with her after Chester.
"I think we will go to the G1 Irish Oaks now. Obviously we will have to
see what the lads want to do, but you'd be thinking she'd love the Curragh.
We're very happy with all the fillies, really."
Forever Together is the 71st Group I winner for Galileo.