Queen's Vase likely target for King George V Cup winner

Giuseppe Garibaldi claimed the King George V Cup at Leopardstown today with connections of the Aidan O'Brien trained colt now hoping to pinch the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot later this month.

The son of Galileo showed improved form when upped to 1m5f and winning his maiden at Navan last Saturday and repeated the dose over 1m4f today when proving two and a half lengths too good for Chimeara

Trainer O'Brien wasn't present but his son Donnacha steered the winner and was recording a double on the day to draw level with Colin Keane at the head of the Jockeys' Championship (26-26).

Afterwards the dual-Classic winning jockey said “they seemed to go a nice even gallop, and I got a grand position. He’s a bit awkward and still a bit babyish but is learning and has plenty of ability.

“He stays well. I liked him last year and I thought he’d get off the mark sooner this year but it’s just taken him a little bit but he’s a nice horse going forward.

“You could see him running in a Queens Vase or a King Edward. He’s probably more a Queens Vase type but I’ll leave that up to Dad.”

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, politician and nationalist and is considered one of the greatest generals of modern times and one of Italy's "fathers of the fatherland".

Quotes from Alan Magee