| Scenic's talented son Lord
Essex graduated to racing's elite level when he downed the hot favourite Shogun Lodge in
Saturday's Group One Darley Stakes at Rosehill. The
win of the John Hawkes trained gelding is perfect timing for eastern state breeders who
are looking to use the services of Scenic this season on his return to Victoria.
After being sent to the front early by Rod Quinn the
five-year-old then held off all of the challengers with his short half head win.
Lord Essex gained many admirers by the way be fought
courageously to hold out the $4 million earner Shogun Lodge.
Stewards reported after the 1500 metre race that Lord Essex
had pulled up lame and forced connections to present a vet certificate before he next
runs. But there are no problems according to his astute trainer.
"He's as good as gold, there are no problems at
all," Hawkes said.
A winner of the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, Scenic is by
the champion sire Sadler's Wells.
At stud Scenic has been nothing short of brilliant. His
list of top class performers is endless.
Universal Prince, Blevic, Shame, Episode, Lochrae, Scenic
Royale, Market Price, Chattanooga, Visual Displays, Panoramic Lad, Quest for Success,
Ascana, Carlin and Sports Freak are all by the mighty Scenic.
Lord Essex's triumph at Rosehill came just moments after
the thrilling win by Renoirvista at Ascot in Perth. Renoirvista is also by Scenic.
Scenic will be standing alongside Bianconi, Danehill
Dancer, Favorite Trick, Marju, Perugino and Rory's Jester at Collingrove Victoria for the upcoming 2002
season. |
