Report: Alpha Centauri, Saxon Warrior retired from injury

Following Leopardstown’s Saturday races during Longines Irish Champions Weekend, two star European horses were announced retired, according to James Burn of the Racing Post.

Connections announced Alpha Centauri and Saxon Warrior, second in the Group 1 Matron Stakes and Group 1 Irish Champions Stakes, respectively, ran their last races after exiting Saturday with injuries.

The Nicharos Family’s Alpha Centauri was riding a four-race win streak into the Matron. She was off as the favorite but was upset by Laurens, a multiple Group 1 winner in her own right.

Alpha Centauri, a 3-year-old filly trained by Jessica Harrington, went on a tear this year to win the Irish 1,000 Guineas, the Coronation Stakes, the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Jacques le Marois, all Group 1s. 

Following vet exams, racing manager Alan Cooper relayed the news.

“The decision has been made to retire Alpha Centauri. She got a chip in her right front fetlock and following discussions with the vets and with Jessie the decision has been made to retire her,” he said.

“The pleasure she has given us all this year has been fantastic and she was very brave yesterday under far from ideal circumstances. She has been a super mare.”

As for Coolmore’s Saxon Warrior, he was just caught by familiar rival Roaring Lion in the Irish Champions Stakes before his injury was revealed.

“Saxon Warrior injured a tendon yesterday and it has been decided to retire him,” said trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Saxon Warrior won the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy Stakes last fall over Roaring Lion and returned in May to capture the Group 1 English 2,000 Guineas. He had been trying to get back in the winner’s circle since, with Roaring Lion winning his last three starts.