Injured champions forced to retire

ALPHA CENTAURI and Saxon Warrior, two of the season’s best three-year-olds, headed into injury-induced retirement after defeats on Saturday. Jessica Harrington-trained Alpha Centauri, whose four Group One wins this summer included the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, injured a fetlock when beaten by Laurens in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. Aidan O’Brien’s Saxon Warrior, winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, suffered tendon damage when losing to old rival Roaring Lion in the Irish Champion Stakes on the same card. It is Saxon Warrior’s injury which is the most frustrating for racing fans. Unlike Alpha Centauri, who delivered on her potential, there remained unfinished business for the colt, who was talked of as a Triple Crown contender after his Guineas win. O’Brien followed his success in the St Leger at Doncaster with Kew Gardens on Saturday by winning yesterday’s Irish St Leger at the Curragh with Ryan Moore-ridden Flag Of Honour.