Middleham Park Racing’s BRAVE EMPEROR has some big All-Weather targets on his agenda after taking his form to a new level in France on 12th February when he won the Listed Prix de la Californie on the Polytrack at Cagnes-Sur-Mer.
The three-year-old son of Sioux Nation made it four wins from his last five starts when kicking clear of his rivals in first-time blinkers, winning the mile feature by a length and three-quarters for jockey Luke Morris.
Now his trainer Archie Watson is eyeing two valuable races on the sand. “We will now look towards two conditions contests for three-year-olds over a mile at Kempton Park and Chelmsford City,” he said.
“I’m delighted with him and it’s great to make him a Listed winner for Middleham Park after the success we had with their Eddie’s Boy last year. Luke gave him a great ride and he is progressing all the time.”
Brave Emperor did well to get across from his draw to dominate the 10-runner race and earn over £24,000 for his syndicate owners. His win was the second in the race for Archie, who was successful with Barys in 2019.
Middleham Park’s Tom Palin said: “Fair play to Archie, as he had this race in mind for him for a while and well done to his team – he looked a picture in the paddock.
“I can’t think of any other horses that have won over five, six, seven and eight furlongs. That makes him a rare commodity. It was lovely to see seven of his owners having their photos taken with him and certainly enjoying a lovely weekend by the sea, too.”
Bought for just £19,000 at Goffs Premier and Silver sale as a yearling, Brave Emperor also won at Chepstow, Chelmsford and Wolverhampton before losing another race in the stewards’ room at Southwell last month.
By Simon Mapletoft
