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Galileo filly Was gave her champion sire another classic winner with her upset victory in the Epsom Oaks – but it really should come as no surprise that she has risen to the top of her generation considering she was the highest priced yearling sold in Europe in 2010.
Photo by Studs
Was realised 1.2 million guineas at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale yet was given little respect in the Oaks as one of the outsiders among the six strong team from trainer Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable.
On pedigree she deserved a lot more attention, being a regally bred daughter of Galileo out of the Green Desert mare Alluring Park, a stakes placed half sister to the outstanding 2008 Derby winner New Approach and a full sister to Japanese sprinter and sire Shinko Forest out of the champion race mare Park Express (Ahonoora).
Another half sister to Alluring Park is the G1 placed Dazzling Park, granddam of the G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Alfred Nobel.
Bred by Seamus Burns at his Lodge Park Stud in Ireland, she was knocked down to Demi O'Byrne on behalf of the Coolmore team of Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor.
Burns purchased Alluring Park's dam Park Express as a yearling for only 42,000gns.
Was is the fourth 2012 classic winner from the 2010 Tattersalls October Book 1 joining Camelot (2000 Guineas/525,000 guineas), Power (Irish 2000 Guineas/50,000 guineas) and Samitar (Irish 1000 Guineas/39,000 guineas).
A yearling sister to Was is likely to be one of the highlights of Book 1 at the 2012 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in the outstanding Lodge Park Stud
Was is the 28th G1 winner by Galileo and his fifth this year, joining Frankel, Golden Lilac, Igugu and Niwot.