Holy Roman Emperor Colt Runs Out A Clear Winner

It was a case of third time's a charm for Taxiwala (2c Holy Roman Emperor - It’s True, by Kheleyf) on Friday, as the Archie Watson-trained colt gained a well-deserved maiden victory after finishing a close second on both his previous starts.

The bay was sent off favourite for the five and a half furlong novice stakes at Brighton and was ridden to make all of the running under Oisin Murphy. He began to extend his advantage two furlongs from home and was pushed along to score by five lengths, with second favourite Inyamazane (Requinto) claiming runners-up honours.

It was quite apt that Taxiwala won this race, given that his half-brother Billy Dylan (Excelebration) took the 2017 running. Both were bred by River Downs Stud, who sold Taxiwala at Goffs as a foal for €105,000. River Downs also bred their dam, It’s True, a half-sister to Group 2 winner Kahal and Listed winner Sahara Princess.