Her credentials were on full display at the Globe Derby on Saturday night when her brilliant three-year-old Hez So Royal captured the Southern Cross final. To add further shine to her record, his older half-brother Hezrockinroyality also saluted in the same program. The double marked a major milestone for trainer Alan Cronin, giving him his 100th career winner.
A chance purchase that resulted in an inheritance
The story of Our Royal Lady began in 2016 when Greg Moy, a former hardsports competitor and stable client of Cronin, spotted a Lincoln Royal filly in a paddock at Yorkshire Park Standardbreds. Moy – known throughout the industry as a trainer, administrator and now vice-president of the Ballarat Harness Racing Club – was inspecting yearlings when he casually asked breeders Dennis and Brenda Bice what they wanted for the filly. The answer was $5000, but Moy left the property after securing her $4500.
The filly, named Our Royal Lady, made just three appearances on the circuit, but she made an immediate impact. She won the venerable SA Sapling Stakes on her debut, beating none other than future star Bulletproof Boy, before an injury ended her racing career and relegated her to the broodmare pasture.
A broodmare that makes her mark
From there, Our Royal Lady has built one of the most impressive modern broodmare records in South Australia. Her descendants include:
- Royal Watch – 7 wins, including 3 this season
- Hezrockinroyality – 12 wins, 4 this season, and a gutsy third place in the SA Pacing Cup
- Hez So Royal – 7 wins, all achieved this season
- A yearling foal by King Of Swing, the three-time Miracle Mile champion, who has yet to retire
She is currently pregnant again with For A Reason, adding even more excitement to what is already a thriving family.
Our Royal Lady also comes from a strong dam line, dating back to 1980 standout Karamea Duplicity and Queensland artist Robert Harlyn.
Hez So Royal is going to take a break
After a fantastic season in which he won South Australia’s two-year-old Triple Crown – the Golden Nursery, Lordship Stakes and Southern Cross Final – Hez So Royal will now enjoy a well-deserved break.
Through Gary Newton
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