Jessica Harrington’s star miler Alpha Centauri retired after suffering injury at Leopardstown

ALPHA CENTAURI has been retired after suffering an injury in the Matron Stakes.

Following her shock defeat at Leopardstown, connections announced the filly had suffered a fetlock injury.

Later scans revealed Alpha Centauri had a chipped fetlock after she had undergone a thorough examination at Fethard Equine Clinic.

Her defeat to Laurens ended a magnificent run of Group 1 wins, which began with the Irish 1,000 Guineas and took in the Coronation Stakes, Falmouth Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois.

Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos family, told Press Association Sport: “Unfortunately the decision has been taken to retire Alpha Centauri on veterinary advice and on consultation with Jessie.

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“She had a chip in her right front fetlock – which you could see her feeling in the closing stages yesterday.

“It’s not a catastrophic injury and hopefully she can enjoy a successful career as a broodmare.”

Alpha Centauri still managed to push Laurens all the way to the line at Leopardstown, despite being injured.

She cemented herself at the top of the tree for the milers after her brilliant performances which included a demolition job at Royal Ascot.

Alpha Centauri retires with six wins from her ten starts and over £1.2million earned in prize money.