Ballydoyle’s expensive colt Galveston finished last.
Galveston may have been the one everyone expected to impress on its debut, but at Naas, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden went to what was a shock winner in the unbeaten Call Me Captain. Unplaced himself at the sale, which topped at 2 million guineas, this two-year-old was sold for a mere fraction of that price by his Coolmore owners, and it is little surprise he opened his account so impressively. Yet with a pedigree that would make any racing enthusiast sit up and take notice, the colt is truly one for the future. Of course, though, the race showed how expectations can sometimes falter under pressure.
As the gates opened for the seven-furlong event, Galveston was the emphatic favourite, ridden at 4-6 by champion jockey Ryan Moore. A product of Aidan O'Brien's outfit, the horse boasted a storied ancestry in the chokers that originated in illustrious stock headed by Grade One winner Cannock Chase as well as the magnificent Group One heroine Star Catcher. Many people thought he was worth all the hype and would certainly live up to his price tag and maintain a commanding performance.
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 đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/aOiNt2vham
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 19, 2024
However, it was soon going to become patently clear that Galveston was beating himself. Running a few furlongs into the race when working in tandem with his opponents, the colt suddenly seemed distressed and unable to establish his rhythm. Meanwhile, onlookers had to hold their collective breaths to await a recovery, but it soon became apparent that the much-ballyhooed debutant was running out of gas fast. He finished last, leaving a disappointing performance for connections who had set their sights on a much stronger outcome for their promising horse.
Call Me Captain, trained by Natalia Lupini, flew across the track flawlessly, which drew the crowd and connections alike. Starting as an 18-1 outsider, this win was more than just winning—it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team behind him. Good jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle produced the finest ride to display his skills in riding this particular horse correctly throughout the race. With the drive that Call Me Captain gathered, all this anticipation in the stands was turned to elation, culminating in a well-deserved victory.
As Craig Bryson, Call Me Captain's partner, came out of the race, he couldn't help but feel joy and surprise. "He's a horse we liked a lot at home," he said, trying to contrast his belief in the potential of the horse with what he witnessed that day. "Paddy Turley bought him, and he liked him as well. He was ready to start today and showed his greenness down the back." With the boast in his voice, one knew the sense of achievement a team needed when they handed over their belief in this young horse.
If he had come here today and been placed, we would have been delighted, but to win is brilliant," Bryson added. It was like racing: on any given day, someone's dark horse will rise and all forecasts go out the window. Call Me Captain was good not only in winning; he was showing promise and potential that can very well translate into future success. Looking ahead, Bryson was positive over the development of Call Me Captain and thought him well suited for middle-distance races next year. "He's probably a middle-distance horse for next year, although he's not slow either, as that was seven today," he commented, hinting that his versatility will perhaps make a big difference in the races that await. The team looks forward to seeing how he fares and believes that nurturing such talent would be important for races ahead.
And with Naas returning to normal once the dust had finally settled on this action-packed day, the racing world was reminded again of how anything can happen. Of course, while Galveston's disappointing debut may have obfuscated his quality pedigree, the emergence of Call Me Captain has brought some glimmer of hope—and excitement—into the season. Every time it races, there develops a story; dreams are fulfilled, and each race weaves upon the tapestry of triumphs and defeats that comprise the sport. It finally boils down to horse racing remaining a mix of heart, hope, and the thrill of the unexpected. Reflective trainers, owners, and fans for this race are almost reminded that every competitor has a story waiting to unfold—sometimes those you least expect.
