European shipper Consolida wins California Oaks at Golden Gate Fields

Consolida, a European shipper making her first start in The United States for trainer Paddy Gallagher, scored an impressive victory in the $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate Fields. The daughter of European sire Sir Percy sat off a contentious pace before gobbling up ground in the final three-sixteenths of a mile, winning The ‘Oaks by a length and a quarter. 

“She put me in a good spot,” said winning jockey Julien Couton.  “She was extremely manageable, which is a big plus in a big field like that. Paddy [Gallagher] did a tremendous job with her.” 

Consolida has been prepping for her United States debut at Gallagher’s stable at Santa Anita Park. Consolida last raced in October, when she broke her maiden by 2 lengths over a synthetic surface at Newcastle Racecourse in Great Britain. Luca Cumani had previously trained Consolida in Europe. 

“In the mornings, she was acting like she knew what [racing] was all about,” said Gallagher. “Julien did a good job and it worked out good.” 

Tinabud finished second, paying $5.60 to place and $4.00 to show, while Divine Mercy rounded out the trifecta, paying $6.00 to show.

Consolida is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Green Lantern Stable. The 3-year-old dark bay or brown filly has now won 2 of 3 lifetime starts with career earnings of $34,325.