Galileo’s Filly Fetches Record Price

Retired to stud in October 2001, the racehorse Galileo continues to make the news from time to time, the most recent being related to the price tag of a filly he sired. The as yet unnamed filly sold for $8.36 million at an auction in Newmarket – reportedly the highest price ever for a yearling filly – to a stable owned by the Qatari royal family…

Galileo was sired by Sadler’s Wells out of Urban Sea and foaled on 30 March 1998 in Ireland. He won six of the eight races between October 2010 and October 2011, with his victories including the Irish Derby Stakes, Epsom Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Trained by Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle, seven of Galileo’s eight races were with Michael Kinane in the saddle.

In his maiden race at Leopardstown in October 2000 as a two-year-old, Galileo was made the even-money favorite in a sixteen runner event. He won the event by fourteen lengths. His debut race as a three-year-old was the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown. He won the listed event by three-and-a-half lengths. His third race at Leopardstown was the Group Two Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial. Ridden by Seamie Heffernan, Galileo won the race by one-and-a-half lengths. In June 2001, Galileo won the Epsom Derby, followed by the Irish Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the 1st and 28th of July respectively. In September of that year, Galileo place 2nd in the Irish Champion Stakes and the decision was taken to enter him in the American Breeders’ Cup Classic at Belmont Park in New York State.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic turned out to be Galileo’s last race. The event was the first time Galileo had competed on a dirt track. He started off behind the leaders and didn’t manage to pick up the pace, finishing six in a field of fourteen runners. His retirement to stud was announced following the race. Statistics reveal that as of 16 June 2013, Galileo had sired 35 individual Group one or Grade 1 winners worldwide. Fans will no doubt be watching with interest to see how his high-priced filly’s racing career develops.