Hard Spun's Le Romain Bests Chautauqua in Epic Battle

Group I snob Le Romain has won four stakes races and three of them have come at the highest level, the latest coming in Saturday's $500,000 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick, claiming the scalp of champion sprinter Chautauqua in an epic battle.

In an intriguing race where the tactics of Tommy Berry on Chautauqua and Glyn Schofield on Le Romain were as fascinating as the result itself, Le Romain turned the clock back 12 months when he signalled he was a topliner when capturing the Group I Randwick Guineas at the expense of Press Statement.

The Kris Lees-trained 4yo gelding advances his overall record to 6 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third from 14 starts with earnings of $1,887,075.

"He's becoming a bit of a giant killer isn't he," Lees said.

"He's just a really good horse that's a pleasure to train. He uncomplicated and gives you everything he's got whenever he goes to the races.

"It was an exciting finish and to beat a champion on the line is very satisfying."

Ridden by Glyn Schofield, Le Romain (Hard Spun) defeated Chautauqua (Encosta de Lago) by a short-head with three lengths back to the John O'Shea-trained Hauraki (Reset) in third. (photos Steve Hart)

"He had a lovely spot in the run," rider Glyn Schofield said. "My fellow was as keen to get to the outside as I was.

"Once I got there I thought I was going to win quite comfortably then geez Chautauqua, he challenged me quickly.

"He probably put a neck on me but my fellow wasn't going to lie down, he just really enjoyed, he dug down deep and was really close at the line, neither Tommy or I was sure which way it had gone, but I'm glad it went my way."

Le Romain will take on superstar Winx in the Group I George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in a fortnight before the $3 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) two weeks later.

Bred and part-owned by Mark Carusi with his brother Anthony, Le Romain is the third foal of Hawkesbury maiden winner Mignard who was purchased for $18,000 from a Darley Reduction in 2009.

The daughter of Strategic is out of the Night Shift mare Mielleuse who was placed in the Group II Reisling Slipper and is a half-sister to the stakes winner and multiple Group 1 placed Pursuits (Quest For Fame).

Mignard has a 2yo filly by Domesday named Isabeau and yearling filly by Kuroshio. She foaled a colt by the Exceed And Excel stallion again last season.

Mignard was one of 136 mares to visit the striking Lonhro stallion Exosphere last spring. 

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