Poor old Prince Grant got sick of looking at Galilee’s rump. He was six lengths behind the great stayer at the post in the Sydney Cup - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Racing historian Dennis Najim recently sent me audio recordings of some of Galilee’s memorable wins in Melbourne in the mid 1960’s. The NZ bred stayer dominated the Victorian Spring Carnival of 1966 winning the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in decisive fashion.
The following autumn Galilee trounced his opposition in the Sydney Cup becoming the first horse to win the big treble in the same season - a distinction he still holds. The pigeon toed gelding with the suspect action was once described by jockey John Miller as an “express train”.
This tribute features race calls by legendary commentators Bill Collins, Bert Bryant and Ken Howard. Thanks to Dennis Najim and Supernova Sound we’re delighted to present a tribute to one of the best horses of his generation.
(Banner image - Galilee and Light Fingers give Bart his second consecutive Melbourne Cup quinella in 1966.)
Galilee again outclasses his old rival Prince Grant in the Autumn Stakes 25/03/1967 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
AJC Chairman Sir Brian Crowley presents the Sydney Cup trophy to owners Max and Venice Bailey with Bart Cummings looking on - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
John Miller salutes the crowd after Galilee’s dominant win in the 1967 Sydney Cup - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
He may have had an awkward walk but at the gallop Galilee was a powerhouse.