Galileo the latest inductee into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame

The phenomenal Galileo became the latest luminary to be inducted into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame, ahead of fellow Epsom heroes Sea The Stars and the ill-fated Shergar.

Galileo, who died at the age of 23 last July, was inducted into the Hall of Fame via public vote, a special Derby vote held in recognition of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The short-list of Derby-winning greats was agreed by the Hall of Fame’s independent judging panel.

Also the winner of the Irish Derby and King George before a thrilling and gallant second to old rival Fantastic Light in the Irish Champion Stakes, it was Galileo's exploits at stud that have ultimately secured his legacy.

The son of Sadler's Wells has so far sired a record-breaking 92 individual Group or Grade 1 winners, headed by Frankel, who was one of the first all-time greats to be inducted alongside the late Lester Piggott last year, as well as five Derby winners in New Approach, Australia, Ruler Of The World, Anthony Van Dyck and Serpentine.

The former Coolmore resident's superstar fillies include Arc heroine Found, Guineas and Oaks winners Love and Minding as well as the durable and hugely talented Magical. His daughters have produced the likes of world champion Ghaiyyath, dual French Classic hero St Mark's Basilica, Qipco 2,000 Guineas heroes Galileo Gold, Night Of Thunder and Saxon Warrior, plus French Derby and Arc winner Sottsass.

Galileo's all-encompassing influence is set to be felt in this weekend's Cazoo Derby, with the top six in the Classic either by Galileo or by one of his sons in Nathaniel, Teofilo and Ulysses. Galileo is set to be represented by Irish 1,000 Guineas second Tuesday and Cheshire Oaks winner Thoughts Of June in the Oaks on Friday.

Galileo was crowned champion sire in Britain and Ireland on 12 occasions and became the most successful top-level sire in history when Peaceful struck in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2020, breaking Danehill’s world record in the process.

Co-owner Sue Magnier said: “We were thrilled to hear that Galileo has been inducted into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame. He was a very special horse to everyone here at Coolmore and Ballydoyle and hopefully his legacy will continue for many years to come.

"Given the special year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, we were delighted that the panel focused on Derby winners for the shortlist and that the public vote saw Galileo chosen."

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