Hard Spun's Le Romain Toughs It Out in the Show County

Mark Smith - Saturday August 18

On any other day, Le Romain would be a headline act, but by the time this most genuine of horses battled his way to a fifth stakes success under 61 kgs in Saturday's Group III Show County Quality at Randwick, the crowd was still buzzing from the win of Winx in the Group 1 Winx Stakes.

With James McDonald in the saddle, Le Remain defeated Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) by one and a quarter lengths with Boss Lane (Dubawi) three and a quarter lengths back in third. (photos Steve Hart)


Winning trainer Kris Lees said they would be open to a slot in the Everest but he is not holding his breath.

"He doesn't get spoken about much, he's a little underrated," Lees said.

"He is a very good horse and it's great to see him back in the winner's circle. He's played at the highest level for a long while and it's good to see get a win. If the Everest happens, it happens.

"There are some races either side or he could end up in an Epsom."


In 12 starts since defeating Chautauqua in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes in March 2017, Le Romain has finished second to Winx in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, second to Tivaci in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, second to Invincible Gem in the Group II Missile Stakes, second to Trapeze Artist in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, second to Impending in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and third in the Group 1 Doomben 10000 won by English.

The triple Group 1 winning son of Hard Spun (USA) advances his overall record to 7 wins, 11 seconds and 2 thirds from 27 starts with earnings of $2,792,075.

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 colt by Kuroshio named Mbappe and a yearling filly by Exosphere. She was covered by Frosted (USA) last spring.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Per Incanto Mare Marble Arch Wins G2 Blamey
Previously a runner-up in two black-type races, Marble Arch went one better on Saturday with a valuable victory in the A$300,000 Gr.2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington to credit her sire Per Incanto (USA) with a 33rd stakes-winner.
Impressive Fifth Winner for Farnan
Kia Ora Stud’s Golden Slipper winner Farnan is building a strong season with his first crop runners and Profoundly took him to the top of the winners table with an impressive win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Darby Racing Filly into Golden Slipper
Darby Racing have a happy knack for finding serious value at Inglis Classic and they certainly got that in spades when paying $30,000 for Within the Law as the Lucky Vega (IRE) filly has been on fire in the Inglis incentive races and has now earned a crack at the Golden Slipper with her determined win in the Group II Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Kiwi Bred Quinella G1 Australian Guineas
Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and trainer Dominic Sutton stood in the Group One spotlight for the first time when Feroce headed a New Zealand-bred quinella in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
New Prep - New Tactics - Old Results for Amelia's Jewel
New prep, new tactics from a rapid fire decision, back to old results – there’s the story of Amelia’s Jewel’s long awaited return to winning form in the Group II Proven Thoroughbreds Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Saturday March 1
Here is the full list of 121 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Via Sistina Leads Waller Trifecta in G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes
The Group I $1million ATC Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday was always going to be won by a Chris Waller trained runner when talented gelding Ceolwulf was scratched on the morning of the race and it was the favourite Via Sistina (IRE), who did best in a titanic battle to shade her stablemates Fangirl and Lindermann.
Widden Stud Bred and Sold El Morzillo wins $1million Inglis Sprint
A $50,000 Classic Yearling Sale purchase from the Widden Stud draft, Star Witness filly El Morzillo won the $1m Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington today as Kelly Schweida delivered a fairytale result for connections.
The Two Ladies Outstanding in G1 Surround Stakes
The two ladies were mighty in the Group I Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday smashing the race record, but at the finish it was Lady Shenandoah prevailing over Lady Of Camelot to get her second win at the top level.
Iowna Merc Rings Up Group Double for Darby Racing
Just when Scott Darby through his day couldn’t get any better after bonny filly Within the Law booked her ticket to the Golden Slipper after winning the Group III ATC Sweet Embrace Stakes it did… with tough and consistent sprinter Iowna Merc capturing the Group III ATC Liverpool City Cup (1200m).