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...
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.