By world renowned stallion Montjeu (IRE) from a prolific Black Type female family, Roman Emperor was bought from Karaka for $240,000 by legendary trainer Bart Cummings and won back all of that and more, retiring with earnings of $1.4 million.
The same qualities of class and stamina that drew the attention of legendary 'Cups King' Bart Cummings are now being passed on to the offspring of Roman Emperor.
Cummings had great faith in the ability of Roman Emperor to make his mark at stud and that faith has been vindicated despite his status as virtually a private stallion with limited opportunities that have seen him cover less than 200 mares in seven seasons at stud.
Despite the lack of numbers, Roman Emperor has an impressive 54% winners to runners, his 19 winners headed by stakes-winner Emperors Way and Sydney metro winners Roman Son, Latin Boy, Imperator Augustus, Nepean, Roman Typhoon and the very promising two year-old debut winner Etheridge, who is being aimed at Oaks races next year.
A stunning individual representing the powerful Sadler's Wells sireline, Roman Emperor is completely free of Danehill blood so is suitable for a wide range of mares seeking an injection of class and stamina.
His sire Montjeu is rapidly establishing his own sire dynasty in addition to his overall record of 126 stakes-winners worldwide, 31 of them Group I winners headed by superstars St Nicholas Abbey, Fame and Glory, Hurricane Run and even Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon, not to mention Group I winning sires Authorized and Motivator
The hottest young staying sire in the world is Montjeu's Epsom Derby winner Camelot and another of Montjeu's Australian Derby winning sons in Nom Du Jeu, sired this year's Group I Hong Kong Derby winner Ping Hai Star. Also let's not forget Cambridge Stud's star Group I Montjeu son Tavistock, who stands at a fee of $65,000.
"Roman Emperor is a proven stakes producing son of one of the world's best sires and his progeny will be eligible for all the VOBIS incentives and the lucrative Showdown series," said Lester O'Grady.
"Roman Emperor is the only son of Montjeu at stud in Victoria so breeders have a unique opportunity to get stuck into Montjeu right here in our own backyard."
Roman Emperor stands at a fee of $3,300 inc. GST.