Holy Roman Emperor Filly Digs Deep For Debut Victory

Valeria Messalina (2f Holy Roman Emperor - Arty Crafty, by Arch) impressed with an admirable attitude on debut, when battling to take the seven furlong maiden at Naas on Wednesday.

The Jessica Harrington-trained bay soon led under Tom Madden and was asked to quicken a furlong and a half from home. Now The King produced a strong challenge inside the final furlong, forcing Valeria Messalina to dig deep, prevailing by a nose at the post.

The winning trainer commented after the race, "Valeria Masselina really puts her head down and tries. She's a smashing big filly and she knew where the line was.”

The Airlie Stud-bred juvenile runs in the colours of Anthony Rogers. She is a half-sister to Pincheck, a Group 3 winner for Harrington, and is out of a winning own-sister to Grade 1 victor Prince Arch.