Holy Roman Emperor Colt All Heart On Debut

The Richard Hannon-trained Dukebox (2c Holy Roman Emperor - Broadway Duchess, by New Approach) displayed a winning attitude when making a successful debut at Kempton on Monday.

Breaking well under Sean Levey, the bay pressed the leader for much of the five furlong sprint and was pushed along to lead early in the straight. Headed by the favourite inside the final furlong, Dukebox rallied to regain the advantage on the line, where he prevailed by a head. The first two battled three and three quarter lengths clear of their rivals.

Dukebox will be seen to even better effect over further according to his trainer. “Dukebox definitely wants six furlongs,” Hannon said. “You've got to love his attitude and the way he stuck his head out and came back, as a lot of horses would have given up.”

Owned by JK Powell Racing, the son of Holy Roman Emperor was bought by Peter and Ross Doyle as a yearling for £65,000 from Baroda Stud. His half-sister Feathers (Zoffany) also scored on debut for the Hannon team and their dam was placed at Listed level for the stable.