Winner: Famous Roman (Danetime-Famous Friend)
Race: WATC Lee Steere Stakes G2 (1400m)
Sold for: $75,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Vendor: Dawson Stud
Buyer: Dato Dr Henry Ooi
Sold for: $121,000
Sale: 2006 National Horses in Training Sale
Vendor: Stratribe Pty Ltd
Buyer: Ken Williamson
Earnings: $528,750
Owner(s): Ms CS Trimboli
Trainer: Jim Taylor (Bullsbrook)
Famous Roman’s march to the Railway Stakes gained momentum at Ascot yesterday when he scored a brilliant win in the Group Two Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
The son of Danetime came with a powerful run over the concluding stages to reel in the leaders and continue his great run for a new stable.
The six-year-old, who’s had stints with a couple of stables in both Melbourne and Perth, has raced for new trainer Jim Taylor on three occasions for two wins and a second placing – all in stakes races.
In yesterday’s Group Two feature Famous Roman was allowed to find his feet early before coming with a strong run around the field. The win was incredible impressive.
“I knew with the strong head wind it would suit the backbackers – so I said to Shaun (O’Donnell, jockey), just drop him back to last and come around them from the 500 and he did it exactly.”
“He’s just the perfect racehorse – he never pulls and he just relaxes.”
Taylor said Famous Roman had obviously found a new lease in life with a change in environment and was relishing his new surrounds.
“They don’t lose their ability. These horses that are trained on the track all their life – if you get them away from the track they usually come good.”
The win capped a memorable day for popular Perth senior rider Shaun O’Donnell – a treble for the classy hoop.
“They got moving good at the 600 and I just peeled off five and six deep – I didn’t hit him until the furlong and the rest is history,” O’Donnell said.
Famous Roman was purchased for $121,000 from the 2006 Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale – he was earlier that year sold for $75,000 at the Perth Yearling Sale.
As it stands the classy galloper has earned his connections over $528,000 and being an entire Famous Roman has a good future ahead at stud.
At the post Famous Roman ($11) held a short neck margin over Tarzi ($15), while fellow Magic Millions graduate For Your Eyes Only ($3.50 fav) was another short half head back in third place.
The latest yearling produced by Famous Friend – a bay or brown colt by Bletchley Park – will go under the hammer at February’s 2011 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
The colt will be one of the quality youngsters making up the draft from Graham and Christine Daws’ Dawson Stud.
The 2011 Perth Yearling Sale will be held at the Belmont Park Complex from February 9 to 13.
