Who possesses the sire power to succeed the great Galileo?

There are few certainties in life bar death, taxes and, in recent years at least, Galileo being crowned champion sire of Britain and Ireland.

The breed-shaping son of Sadler's Wells, who died on Saturday aged 23, has been the leading stallion for the last 11 years straight, and 12 of the last 13 having temporarily given best to Danehill Dancer in 2009.

Standing at a time when stallions covering vast books of mares has become the norm, and with cross-pollination across countries and continents becoming ever more commonplace, Galileo has virtually redefined what it means to be a dominant sire.