04/02/2021
The Curragh is delighted to announce that the Niarchos Family have agreed to sponsor the Group 2 Debutante Stakes to acknowledge the magnificent racing career of Alpha Centauri.
The daughter of Mastercraftsman, who was named Cartier champion 3-year-old filly and Irish Horse of the Year in 2018, won 6 races during her illustrious career with her greatest achievement taking place at The Curragh with Classic race success in the Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas.
The Debutante Stakes is scheduled to take place on Saturday 21st August and is one of the highest rated races for two year old fillies in Europe. The Jessica Harrington trained Alpine Star, a half sister to Alpha Centauri, both owned and bred by the Niarchos family, won the race in 2019 in the hands of Shane Foley and went on to Group 1 success in the 2020 Coronation Stakes. She was the highest rated 3yo filly in the Longines World Rankings over one mile in 2020.
Other notable subsequent Group 1 winners of the Debutante Stakes include Magical, Skitter Scatter, Rhododendron, Maybe, Again, Necklace, Rumpleskitskin, Lilly Langtry, Edabiya, Preseli, Dance Design and Pass The Peace.
Maria Niarchos-Gouazé said on behalf of her family,
“Racing in Ireland has been very good to my family and we are pleased to be able to support the Curragh through the sponsorship of such a prestigious race that has been won by many brilliant fillies including Alpine Star.”
Trainer Jessica Harrington said,
"The Debutante Stakes at the Curragh is a race that I am very fond of and I am delighted that the Niarchos Family will now sponsor it. To honour Alpha Centauri at the Curragh is very special to me as she was my first ever classic winner in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the course."
Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager, The Curragh commented,
“The Niarchos family are synonymous with racing at the Curragh with their name associated with numerous high-quality winners over many years. We are delighted that they have agreed to honour Alpha Centauri by adding her name to a race that consistently attracts the very best juvenile fillies. “
Alpha Centauri retired from racing in 2018 and is the proud mother of a yearling colt by Galileo.
For further information, please contact Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager, The Curragh, Tel 045 441205 email [email protected]