Our globetrotting star BRAVE EMPEROR will head to Milan next month in pursuit of a second consecutive win in the Premio Vittorio Di Capua after scoring a fourth career Group 3 success in the Italian city.
Middleham Park Racing’s star achieved the sixth stakes success of his illustrious career when dominating the Premio del Piazzale Memorial Enrico Camici at the San Siro on 13th October under regular jockey Luke Morris.
His 11th win in 22 starts edged the son of Sioux Nation’s earnings closer to the £600,000 mark and gave Middleham Park their 81st winner of the year.
“It was great to see him back to form and doing what he does best, picking up another international Group race,” says his proud trainer Archie. “He tanked through the race, was left in front a long way down and was really tough in the straight to hold them off.
“He has an incredible attitude and Luke gave him another brilliant ride. It’s fantastic for all his owners at Middleham Park Racing and we look to go back to Milan on 10th November for the race he won last year.”
Middleham Park’s syndicate manager Tom Palin adds: “I’m delighted for the horse. He’s fully entitled to legend status and if this latest win is anything to go by he’s probably only half finished creating his legacy!
“Luke reported that he felt like his old self again, getting out of the stalls a lot better and travelling with vigour and power and showing the most willing of attitudes in the final couple of furlongs to fend off all comers and record a rather staggering fourth Group 3 victory.”
Now rated 109, Brave Emperor, who cost just £19,000 at the Goffs Premier Yearling Sales, held off Endo Botti’s Italian rival Mr Darcy by a short neck over the extended mile on his favoured soft ground.
Last year he was four lengths too good for Simon and Ed Crisford’s hot favourite Poker Face in achieving his Group 2 breakthrough in the Vittorio Di Capua. If he succeeds again it will be his sixth Group win and his seventh stakes victory in just 15 starts at that level.
By Simon Mapletoft
