Hard Spun's Le Romain Toughs It Out in the Show County

Mark Smith - Saturday August 18

On any other day, Le Romain would be a headline act, but by the time this most genuine of horses battled his way to a fifth stakes success under 61 kgs in Saturday's Group III Show County Quality at Randwick, the crowd was still buzzing from the win of Winx in the Group 1 Winx Stakes.

With James McDonald in the saddle, Le Remain defeated Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) by one and a quarter lengths with Boss Lane (Dubawi) three and a quarter lengths back in third. (photos Steve Hart)

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Winning trainer Kris Lees said they would be open to a slot in the Everest but he is not holding his breath.

"He doesn't get spoken about much, he's a little underrated," Lees said.

"He is a very good horse and it's great to see him back in the winner's circle. He's played at the highest level for a long while and it's good to see get a win. If the Everest happens, it happens.

"There are some races either side or he could end up in an Epsom."


In 12 starts since defeating Chautauqua in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes in March 2017, Le Romain has finished second to Winx in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, second to Tivaci in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, second to Invincible Gem in the Group II Missile Stakes, second to Trapeze Artist in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, second to Impending in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and third in the Group 1 Doomben 10000 won by English.

The triple Group 1 winning son of Hard Spun (USA) advances his overall record to 7 wins, 11 seconds and 2 thirds from 27 starts with earnings of $2,792,075.

Bred and part-owned by Mark Carusi with his brother Anthony, Le Romain is the third foal of Hawkesbury maiden winner Mignard who was purchased for $18,000 from a Darley Reduction in 2009.

The daughter of Strategic is out of the Night Shift mare Mielleuse who was placed in the Group II Reisling Slipper and is a half-sister to the stakes winner and multiple Group 1 placed Pursuits (Quest For Fame).

Mignard has a 2yo colt by Kuroshio named Mbappe and a yearling filly by Exosphere. She was covered by Frosted (USA) last spring.

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