The Group 1 victory by Herculian Prince across the Tasman on Saturday was also enjoyed closer to home by Pencarrow Stud who bred the gelding’s dam, Sea Island.

The five-year-old gelding by Yamanin Vital put in a huge effort to outgun and outstay his rivals in the A$400,000 AJC Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) for Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse. A charmed ride by Nash Rawiller gave Gai her 100th Group 1 winner – with her first coming in this race 18 years ago with fellow Kiwi galloper, Te Akau Nick.

Now a winner of 9 of his 16 starts, Herculian Prince has put himself firmly in contention for the big Cups contests later this spring.

By Woodman from Kailey Princess (Danehill), Sea Island was bred by Pencarrow Stud and offered for sale at the 2003 National Weanling & Broodmare Sale at Karaka. There she was bought for $50,000 by Courtney Leitch’s Amber Thoroughbreds who subsequently bred Herculian Prince.