PREMATURE equine retirements were all too prevalent in the last week, with those of Alpha Centauri and Saxon Warrior particularly keenly felt. The pair featured at Leopardstown on the first day of Irish Champions Weekend.

While Saxon Warrior ran right up to his best in being beaten a neck by old foe Roaring Lion in the Irish Champions Stakes, Alpha Centauri was a long way below hers when defeated by Laurens in the Matron.