Holy Roman Emperor Adds To Long List Of Stakes Winners
Sunday saw Airlie Stud homebred Valeria Messalina (3f Holy Roman Emperor - Arty Crafty, by Arch) gain her first black-type success in the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes at Cork.
A winner on debut last September, the Jessica Harrington-trained filly went on to finish a close second in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes and made her seasonal return in last month’s Irish 1,000 Guineas. Dropping back to seven furlongs on her latest start, the bay was ridden to chase the leaders by Shane Foley and produced a challenge a furlong from home. Soon in front, she stayed on well to hold off Unforgetable by half a length, with just a short head back to Soul Search (Zoffany) in third.
The winning rider commented after the race, “She's a very good filly. She was just touched off at Newmarket last season and the winner Rose Of Kildare came out and won the Musidora Stakes during the week.”
Valeria Messalina is a half-sister to Pincheck, who Harrington trained to win at Group 3 level. She becomes an impressive 47th individual Group winner by Holy Roman Emperor, who is also responsible for another 41 individual Listed winners.