Galileo (horse)

Galileo
Racing colours of Susan Magnier
SireSadler's Wells
GrandsireNorthern Dancer
DamUrban Sea
DamsireMiswaki
SexStallion
Foaled30 March 1998
Died10 July 2021(2021-07-10) (aged 23)
CountryIreland
ColourBay
BreederDavid Tsui and Orpendale
OwnerSue Magnier, Michael Tabor
TrainerAidan O'Brien
Record8: 6-1-0
Earnings£1,621,110
Major wins
Ballysax Stakes (2001)
Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (2001)
Epsom Derby (2001)
Irish Derby (2001)
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2001)
Awards
European Champion Three-Year-Old Colt (2001)
Leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland
(2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Leading broodmare sire in Great Britain & Ireland (2020, 2021)
British Champions Series Hall of Fame (2022)
Timeform rating: 134
Last updated on 21 July 2021

Galileo (30 March 1998 – 10 July 2021) was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a racing career which lasted from October 2000 until October 2001, he ran eight times and won six races. He is best known for having won the Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2001. He was named the European Champion Three-Year-Old Colt of 2001.

After his retirement, Galileo was one of the most sought-after sires in the world. He first became the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland in 2008, then consecutively earned the title from 2010–2020. In 2020, he set the record for the number of Epsom Derby winners sired at five: New Approach, Ruler Of The World, Australia, Anthony Van Dyck and Serpentine. In June 2020, Galileo sired his 85th Group 1 winner, breaking Danehill's world record and becoming the most successful source of Group 1 winners in thoroughbred history.[1] In addition to his Derby winners, his notable offspring include Frankel, Nathaniel, Found, Churchill and Minding. He was also a leading broodmare sire.

Galileo was euthanized on 10 July 2021, after a debilitating injury to his near foreleg which failed to heal after surgery earlier that year.[2]

  1. ^ "Galileo breaks world record in G1 Irish Thousand Guineas". breednet.com.au. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  2. ^ "World Renowned Champion Sire Galileo Dies". Blood-Horse. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.