Sir,

I was very sorry to hear of the death of the all-time great stallion, Galileo.

As well as being a brilliant stallion, Galileo was a world-class racehorse, easily winning the Derby in 2001, and also the Irish Derby and King George. I was present at Ascot when the colt won the King George.

I was fortunate and privileged to visit Galileo at Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary in 2018 (when he was 20 years old) and in 2019. In 2018, I was so pleased that I was allowed to give him a pat and take some photographs.

When I visited in 2018 , he remained in his box, but in 2019 I got a better view of him when he was walked up and down outside for a few minutes.

I had also visited his sire Sadler’s Wells at Coolmore in 2001, when he, also, was 20 years old.

At Coolmore, although I was pleased to see the many other stallions there, the main reason for my visits was to see Galileo.

Progeny

As is common knowledge in the racing and breeding industries, Galileo’s progeny have won a vast number of Group 1 races.

I have no doubt that his sons and daughters and their descendants will go on to win major races for many years to come.

Galileo’s legacy as a great, or even the greatest sire, sire of sires and broodmare sire will live on for decades or even centuries to come.

His passing is a seismic event in the bloodstock world and truly marks the end of an era.

As well as, and apart from, Galileo’s world-wide fame and enormous monetary value, I remember him as simply a lovely animal.

I wish to convey my feelings of sadness and sympathy to all the owners and staff at Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing.

Yours,

Robert Coppini,

The Cottage,

Little Acton,

Stourport-on-Severn,

Worcestershire,

DY13 9TE