The promising GALACTICA (Dabirsim), in the colours of Normandie Pur-Sang, was the victrix of the 41st Swiss Derby on Sunday in Frauenfeld. This 3-year-old filly was having just her fourth career start in this race, having notched her debut win at Clairefontaine in August following two second places in her first two attempts.  She was the only filly to line up in the 5-runnner race. She was ridden by Vincent Cheminaud, who held her up in third position through the race until the final bend. He let the filly hit the front as the runners turned in to the straight, and GALACTICA battled courageously to the line, holding off a strong finish from Domstürmer (Lord of England). 

Bred by Countess Bertrand de Tarragon and David Taylor, Galactica bought by her owner, Normandie Pur-Sang, at the October Arqana Yearling Sale for just €32,000. She is by Normandie Pur-Sang’s stallion Dabirsim, who stands at Haras de Grandcamp.