Aidan O’Brien paid tribute to the legendary Galileo after Content secured the 100th individual Group One win for the late stallion at York on Thursday. Galileo, who was a champion on the track with victories in the Derby, Irish Derby, and King George, achieved even greater acclaim as a sire.
Galileo’s remarkable legacy includes his first Group One winner, Nightime, in the 2006 Irish 1,000 Guineas. His progeny includes the extraordinary Frankel, who, after an unbeaten 14-race career, has become a leading sire himself. Galileo also sired five Derby winners—New Approach, Australia, Ruler Of The World, Anthony Van Dyck, and Serpentine—as well as other top-class performers like Order Of St George, Magical, Minding, Highland Reel, and Kyprios.
Though Galileo passed away in 2021 at the age of 23, his influence endures. Content’s victory in the Yorkshire Oaks underscores Galileo’s remarkable impact. The three-year-old filly, out of the dual Nunthorpe winner Mecca’s Angel, may not be the most exceptional horse Galileo has produced, but she exemplifies his talent and tenacity.
O’Brien remarked on Galileo’s extraordinary nature: “Galileo’s offspring are so honest and genuine. It’s incredible to have had so many of them. You see what happened at Ballydoyle after Sadler’s Wells, and Galileo came along and won us the Derby.”
He continued, “Content is a typical Galileo. Even if they’re tired, they still give their best. It’s a rare and remarkable trait.”
Replacing Galileo at Coolmore Stud is a daunting task, but O’Brien is optimistic about Justify, sire of City Of Troy, as his potential successor. “I don’t think we’ll see another like Galileo. We’re excited about Justify, who we believe has even more class,” O’Brien said. “City Of Troy shows that, even when you think he’s tired, he keeps going strong.”