Every jockey cherishes their first Classic victory, and Tom Marquand has a particularly memorable one.
In 2020, Marquand found himself celebrating a historic win aboard Galileo Chrome in the St Leger at Doncaster, a ride he hadn’t anticipated. Originally, Marquand was set to reunite with Ed Walker’s English King, having ridden him to victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial. However, Frankie Dettori took over for the Derby, where English King finished fifth, while Marquand was second on the 50-1 outsider Khalifa Sat.
When the St Leger approached, Marquand was once again set to ride English King, but a late decision sent the colt to France for the Grand Prix de Paris instead, leaving Marquand seemingly without a ride. Just before the race, Shane Crosse, O’Brien’s jockey, tested positive for COVID-19, prompting a swift switch to secure Marquand for Galileo Chrome.
Marquand recalls, "I found out about the ride on Galileo Chrome rather unexpectedly. I was heading to the start on Sacred in the Flying Childers when Luke Harvey mentioned I might be riding Galileo Chrome the next day. It was the first I’d heard of it!"
He continued, "I had lost the ride on English King for the rest of the season, and plans changed last minute, leaving me available for the St Leger. Shane’s positive test meant Joseph needed a jockey, and I needed a ride, so it all came together."
Marquand admitted, "It was a bit awkward, knowing that Shane hadn’t yet had a Group One win and was set to ride in the Leger. I was thrilled to get my first Classic win, but it was unfortunate that Covid-19 played a role. Thankfully, Shane later won the Fillies’ Mile on Pretty Gorgeous."
As for Galileo Chrome, Marquand believes he has more to offer. Despite only racing once as a two-year-old, Galileo Chrome won his maiden in June, followed by a conditions race, a Listed race, and then the St Leger before being retired to stud.
"He was a very good horse," Marquand said. "Even though he won the Leger over a mile and six, he could have potentially won a mile-and-a-half Group One if given the chance. But winning the St Leger meant I got my first Classic win!"
Reflecting on the nature of racing, Marquand noted, "I’ve been fortunate to have Group One wins through others’ misfortunes, and others have benefited from mine. It’s the nature of the sport, with its highs and lows."
The 2020 St Leger was noteworthy, featuring future stars like Hukum, who went on to win the King George and Coronation Cup, Pyledriver, also a King George and Coronation Cup winner, and Subjectivist, who triumphed in the Prix Royal-Oak and Ascot Gold Cup.
Marquand concluded, "The race went smoothly. Galileo Chrome relaxed beautifully, and we challenged down the middle of the track. From early on, he felt like a winner. Unfortunately, I’ll likely miss this year’s race due to a clash with the Irish Champion Stakes, where I hope to ride Economics. It’s a shame there’s no longer a chance to ride in both."