Multiple Grade 1 heroine Stellar Wind to visit Galileo

Coolmore's perennial champion sire Galileo has had another top-notch mare added to his 2018 book with $6 million purchase Stellar Wind having travelled to Ireland to be covered him, BloodHorse confirmed on Monday.

MV Magnier of Coolmore went to the sale-topping sum to secure the six-time Grade 1 heroine at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale last year, and indicated after signing the docket that she would likely be covered by Triple Crown hero American Pharoah at Ashford Stud in Kentucky, but she has now been diverted from that cover.

A daughter of Curlin, Stellar Wind was trained by John Sadler to win nine races from 14 starts, with her haul of top-level victories including the Santa Anita Oaks.

After her purchase she was switched to Chad Brown for her final start in the Pegasus World Cup, where she finished sixth behind eventual winner Gun Runner.

Stellar Wind was knocked down for only $40,000 to Vernan Lee Stables at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale. Re-offered at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Sale just weeks later, Barbara Houck purchased her for $86,000.

Bred by Keswick Stables and Stonestreet Stables out of the winning Malibu Moon mare Evening Star, Stellar Wind is from the family of Grade 1 winners Mor Spirit and Great Hunter.

Galileo is set to cover his customary glittering book at Coolmore again this year, with others announced including Kind, the dam of his outstanding son Frankel.

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