Coolmore stallion Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill – L’On Vite, by Secretariat) sired his first Group 1 winner when Homecoming Queen (Holy Roman Emperor – Lagrion, by Diesis) produced a wonderful front-running display to prevail in the Group 1 1000 Guineas (1m) at Newmarket.
Homecoming Queen’s Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Maybe was expected to lead the Ballydoyle charge in the prestigious event. However, Homecoming Queen gave her rivals no chance with a brilliant exhibition to lead throughout.
The three-quarter sister to former Ballydoyle star, now fledgling sire, Dylan Thomas scored by nine lengths over Starscope (Selkirk – Moon Goddess, by Rainbow Quest) while Maybe (Galileo – Sumora, by Danehill) finished a length further back.
O’Brien denied Homecoming Queen was supposed to perform as a pacemaker for her stablemate in the 1000 Guineas, instead praising his charge’s effort.
“She was there running on her merits,” O’Brien told the British Horseracing Authority. “She’s a tough, hardy filly with a real pedigree and has been progressive all the way.
“Perhaps we didn’t expect her to win quite like she did, but it was not a great surprise she did win.
“She has a lot of options, but the boys will talk about that later in the week.
“She can go to the Irish Guineas or she can go anywhere – the Curragh, Ascot and Epsom are all in the mix. There are lot of options open to her now. She’s a very progressive filly.”
Holy Roman Emperor stood for four seasons in Australia but has not shuttled since the 2010 breeding season.