Holy Roman Emperor Colt Captures Anglesey Stakes

Roman Turbo (2c Holy Roman Emperor - Swish, by Monsun) began a terrific day for his sire when taking the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh’s Irish Oaks meeting.

Trained by Michael Halford for Hong Kong-based owner Sammy Hon Kit Ma, the two-year-old colt marked himself as a horse with a bright future when winning on debut at the same track last month. Ronan Whelan retained the partnership and rode the bay to chase the leaders, pushing him along from two furlongs out, joining the leaders 150 yards from home. Staying on well, he led inside the final furlong and denied fellow Curragh maiden winner Lil Grey (Starspangledbanner) by three parts of a length. Soul Search (Zoffany), a close second on debut earlier in the month, stayed on to complete a 1-2-3 for Coolmore sires.

Michael Halford commented after the race, “He’s a smart horse, very professional. He’s coming forward well. I’d say long-term he’ll probably end up in Hong Kong.” The best may be yet to come from Roman Turbo, said Halford, adding, “He’s really come to hand recently. I’d still say there could be more to come from him.”

Should Roman Turbo travel to Hong Kong, he would aim to build on his sire’s tremendous success there, with Designs On Rome, Beauty Only and Rich Tapestry among Holy Roman Emperor’s top performers in that particular racing nation. Roman Turbo becomes the 46th individual Group winner sired by the top-class son of Danehill, who commands €15,000 in 2019.

A half-brother to German Listed winner Swacadelic, Roman Turbo was bought by McKeever Bloodstock for €55,000 from Castletown Stud at the Goffs Orby Sale. His dam, Swish, is an unraced sister to three Stakes horses, including top stayer Shirocco.