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.
“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.
