Son Of Holy Roman Emperor Lands Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic

The progressive Rockemperor (5c Holy Roman Emperor - Motivation, by Muhtathir) produced a career-best performance to take the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday.

Group 3 placed in France for Simone Brogi, the son of Holy Roman Emperor previously placed at the highest level on three occasions for Chad Brown and was chasing an elusive Graded success at the weekend.

Racing towards the back of the field under Javier Castellano, he quickened from over two furlongs out and made good headway to lead a furlong and a half from home. The bay was ridden out to score by two lengths from stablemate Serve The King.

“I’m so proud of the horse,” Chad Brown declared after the race. “He’s been bridesmaid so many times and had a brutal defeat to Instilled Regard in the Manhattan last year. He has moved to the top of the list of one of the most deserving horses in our barn to win a Grade 1.”

Bred by Haras du Mezeray, Rockemperor continues the international success story of Holy Roman Emperor, who is responsible for Group/Grade 1 winners in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.