Galileo is now the most successful stallion in British racing history. He has sired five Derby winners ‐ four of them were among O’Brien’s eight ‐ and Frankel is another of his sons.
Galileo was the first Derby winner sired by another stud superstar, Sadler’s Wells, and his success in 2001 was swiftly followed by a second. O’Brien’s High Chaparral held off stablemate Hawk Wing 12 months later before adding the Irish Derby and Breeders’ Cup Turf to his haul.
Having landed the Derby twice in just five years after moving to the historic Ballydoyle Stables owned by John Magnier, boss of the powerful Coolmore bloodstock empire, more Classic success was inevitable.
The only surprise was that it took O’Brien another ten years to win his third Derby. Camelot was sent off odds‐on following his win in the 2000 Guineas and he duly bolted up under O’Brien’s jockey son Joseph.