Holy Roman Emperor Begins Flat Season With Stakes Success

Holy Roman Emperor enjoyed a perfect start to the Irish turf season when Numerian (4g Holy Roman Emperor – Delicate Charm, by High Chaparral) gained his first black-type success in the Listed Devoy Stakes at Naas on Monday.

The Joseph O’Brien trained bay finished a close second to Blenheim Palace (Galileo) in the Group 3 Diamond Stakes when last seen in September, having also picked up valuable prize money in premier handicaps earlier in the season. Once again racing over ten furlongs, he chased the leaders under Declan McDonogh and took closer order from the two furlong marker. Ridden to lead inside the final furlong, he ran on strongly to win by two lengths and three quarters. Group 3 Chester Vase winner Sir Dragonet (Camelot), who was last seen finishing fourth in the St Leger, took second.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Brendan Powell said, “It was a nice performance first time out and you'd think he can only improve from it. I think he'll improve in every way and hopefully he could turn into a nice Group horse.”

Owned by the Long Wait Two Partnership, Numerian was bred by Whisperview Trading Ltd. The son of Holy Roman Emperor is a full-brother to four-time winner Too Precious, and comes from the family of Milan and Kahyasi.