The Barronstown-bred Star Of India (3c Galileo – Shermeen, by Desert Style) made a perfect start for new connections in the Rosehill Gold Cup worth $750,000.

The son of Galileo left quarantine just a few hours ahead of the valuable contest, having joined the stable of Annabel Neasham from Aidan O’Brien, for whom he won the Listed Dee Stakes in May. 

The bay was ridden by Brenton Avdulla on his Australian debut, with the winning rider later commenting, “Once I clicked him into gear he hit the front a long way out, but he kept sustaining his gallop like those Europeans can.”

“We were confident he would run well,” stable representative Rob Archibald added. “To win like that was really exciting so he probably exceeded our expectations.”

Star Of India is now owned by BK Racing, The Clan Syndicate and Symphony Racing. A full-brother to Group 3 runner-up SJ Tourbillon, the Barronstown-bred bay is a half-brother to Group 1 scorer Sudirman.