Ballydoyle’s expensive colt Galveston finished last.
In a surprising turn of events at Naas, Call Me Captain claimed victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, as Galveston, a two-million-guinea colt with high expectations, finished last on his debut.
Galveston, a well-bred Frankel colt from a prestigious bloodline linked to Grade One winner Cannock Chase and Group One heroine Star Catcher, was sent off as the 4-6 favourite. Trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, the Coolmore-owned colt struggled throughout the seven-furlong race and faded to finish at the back of the field.
Call Me Captain (Calyx) strikes on debut for Natalia Lupini with the 2m gns Frankel colt, Galveston, last of the finishers at @NaasRacecourse.
Reyenzi and Edge Of Seventeen both eye-catchers in the places 👀 pic.twitter.com/aOiNt2vham
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 19, 2024
Instead, it was Call Me Captain, trained by Natalia Lupini and guided by jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, who emerged victorious at 18-1. Reyenzi, a 40-1 shot trained by Johnny Murtagh, produced a remarkable run to finish second despite a slow start.
Lupini's partner, Craig Bryson, expressed their surprise and delight with the result: "We liked him a lot at home, but coming to a maiden like this, you are only hoping. He showed a bit of class today and got the job done nicely. He's a massive, big horse, and we're excited about his future."
Despite being aimed as a middle-distance horse for next year, Call Me Captain showed he possesses both speed and promise with this unexpected win.
