A step up in trip and hold-up ride saw Kew Gardens (3c Galileo – Chelsea Rose, by Desert King) return to winning ways in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. 

A Listed winner at the end of last season, he was ridden towards the back of the field by Ryan Moore on his first start over a mile and six furlongs. Moore began to pick off his rivals on the outside after the first mile and produced a strong challenge over two furlongs out, improving to lead inside the final furlong. Racing home strongly, he scored by four and a half lengths.

On future plans, winning trainer Aidan O’Brien commented, “Kew Gardens could go to the Irish Derby or he could have a little break and be trained for the St Leger. He has a lot of options. The St Leger is a long way off but that would be a lovely race for him.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, Kew Gardens is a half-brother to dual Stakes winner and Group 1 second Thawaany. He was bred by Barronstown Stud out of the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Chelsea Rose.