Champion filly Alpha Centauri to visit supersire Galileo in star-studded mating

Galileo has been selected as the first mate for the Niarchos family’s champion Alpha Centauri.

The Niarchos’s racing manager Alan Cooper confirmed yesterday that the daughter of Mastercraftsman had been booked to the Coolmore supersire in a move that will result in a variation of the outstanding Galileo - Danehill cross.

Alpha Centauri sustained a career-ending fetlock injury when a shock second to Laurens in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

"She is absolutely sound now and appears to be enjoying the transition from a filly in training to the paddocks," Cooper said.

"Galileo fits the bill for her. And of course it’s also the Galileo - Danehill cross."

Alpha Centauri was one of the stars of the past season for Jessica Harrington, sweeping the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, Falmouth Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois during a glorious summer period.

Bred by the Niarchos family out of the Rahy mare Alpha Lupi, Alpha Centauri is a great-granddaughter of the outstanding miler and producer Miesque and is therefore related to Kingmambo, Tapestry - also by Galileo - and last year’s Prix du Jockey Club winner Study Of Man among others.

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