FIVE faced the starter for the Group 2 Alpha Centauri Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday, three trained by Joseph O’Brien and two by his father Aidan. The favourite was Alpha (Sea The Stars) from Ballydoyle, and this Group 3 Leopardstown winner is the fourth foal out of the mare in whose name the race was run.

Alpha had to settle for third place behind two Carriganóg fillies, and the winner was an important one for Joseph O’Brien. Green Empress (Saxon Warrior) started her racing career in the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and was, according to jockey bookings, the second string when she made her debut in a late-May maiden at the Curragh. She was five lengths behind the winner in second place, and more than two lengths in front of the third at odds of 33/1.