Beaten out of a place in his two most recent outings in benchmark 78s, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s Galileo gelding Great House (IRE) dominated the finish of Friday’s $245,000 Group III Sharp Office Newcastle Cup (2300m).
Ridden by Jeff Penza for champion trainer Chris Waller, Great House (IRE) made a sweeping run down the centre of the track to defeat Quick Thinker (So You Think) by a neck with the winner’s stablemate No Compromise (Pins) three-quarters of a length back in third.
“He has been well set up for this race. His runs have been quite good, although he may have looked a bit disappointing,” stable representative Jason Patrick said.
“He is rock hard fit, so hopefully, he can go forward and win more good races now.”
A 175,000gns purchase by Highclere Racing at the 2020 Tattersalls Online August Sale, Great House (IRE) advances his record to four two three from 12 starts with earnings of $344,615.
A half-brother to Group III Maisons-Laffitte Prix Miesque winner Aboule (Exceed And Excel), Great House (IRE) is one of six winners from 10 to race out of the Indian Ridge mare Anja.
Anja is a half-sister to French Derby winner Anabaa Blue out of Allez Les Trois, a half-sister to King’s Best and the great racemare and even better broodmare Urban Sea, the dam of, among many greats, Galileo, the sire of Great House (IRE).
Great House (IRE) becomes the 344th stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud’s recently deceased Galileo.
