Galileo (horse)

Galileo (30 March 1998 – 10 July 2021) was an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a racing career which lasted from October 2000 until October 2001, he won six of the eight races he ran. He is best known for having won the Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2001. He was named the European Champion Three-Year-Old Colt of 2001.

After his retirement, Galileo was one of the most sought-after sires in the world. He first became the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland in 2008, then consecutively earned the title from 2010 to 2020. In 2020, he set the record for the number of Epsom Derby winners sired at five: New Approach, Ruler of the World, Australia, Anthony Van Dyck and Serpentine. In June 2020, Galileo sired his 85th Group 1 winner, breaking Danehill's world record and becoming the most successful source of Group 1 winners in thoroughbred history with his current standing of over 100 Group 1 winners, making him the most successful sire in thoroughbred history and will probably remain long standing. In addition to his Derby winners, his notable offspring include Frankel, Nathaniel, Found, Churchill and Minding, and currently Kyprios . He was also a leading broodmare sire most notably Rhododendron .

Galileo was euthanized on 10 July 2021, after a debilitating injury to his left foreleg which failed to heal after surgery earlier that year.