Growing Empire

Zoustar x Miles of Krishan, by Snitzel
2021
16hh

FEE: $22,000

Electric dual Group-winning sprinter by Zoustar

By leading Australian sire Zoustar, and out of a Stakes mare by Snitzel, Growing Empire combines two of the most preeminent sires of recent years. Dominant at two and mixed with Australia’s best at three, Growing Empire showcased electric speed and sheer raw talent across two spectacular seasons, winning four times at Stakes level and netting over $3million in earnings.

Growing Empire is out of the five-time winner and Gr.2 placed Miles Of Krishan, a daughter of Arrowfield’s legendary stallion Snitzel, and half-sister to Champion two-year-old and Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce victor Il Quello Veloce.

A $700,000 Inglis Easter purchase, Growing Empire is a graduate of famed nursery Vinery Stud, a farm with an envious record at producing elite stallion prospects, with both Exceed And Excel and leading young sire Farnan also raised on the same illustrious pastures.

Growing Empire kick started his career with an eye-catching second to subsequent Black Type filly Chateau Miraval at Kensington as a juvenile, competing solely at Stakes level from there on out. His first win came on his second start, taking out the Listed Valley Pearl Stakes at Moonee Valley ahead of Gr.2 Champagne Classic winner and Gr.1 JJ Atkins second Bittercreek. Heading west, Growing Empire showcased his phenomenal talent again in the Gr.3 Breeders’ Stakes, trouncing his opponents on his final start at two by an astounding four and a half lengths.

He resumed at three in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes, emulating his dominant victory on his previous start when easing down to a canter across the line, recording a third Stakes win. His first engagement up the Flemington straight in the Listed Poseidon Stakes again marked Growing Empire as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his electric turn of foot and brilliant speed.

Just a fortnight later, Growing Empire returned to Moonee Valley, taking on seasoned sprinters in the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes. Hitting the front with 150m to travel, the young colt was narrowly denied in the final strides, going down by a short head to Gr.1 winner Southport Tycoon, and leaving Champion Sprinter I Wish I Win and Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke heroine Kimochi vying for minor placings two lengths behind.

He mixed it with Australia’s best in The $20million Everest, finishing a length and a half behind four-time Gr.1-winning stablemate Bella Nipotina and former Everest victor Giga Kick. The first colt and first three-year-old home that season, Growing Empire defeated six individual Gr.1 winners including Lady of Camelot, Sunshine In Paris, Private Eye, Joliestar, Stefi Magnetica and I Wish I Win.

The colt’s busy spring continued just two weeks later, with a brave third in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes ahead of Lady Of Camelot, Coleman, Bittercreek and Traffic Warden. In 11 careers starts, Growing Empire finished out of the placings on only three occasions, including a fourth in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap at level weights against older horses, winning four times at Stakes level and earning over $3million in prizemoney.

Sam Fairgray, Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Growing Empire is a gorgeous, athletic colt with the kind of looks breeders love to see in the ring. On the track, he showed blistering speed and precocity, winning Stakes races in his spring three-year-old season, and he mixed it with the best sprinters in the country. Importantly, he has the competitive attitude and toughness we prize in our stallions.”

“Being by Zoustar out of a fast Snitzel mare, his pedigree is pure speed on speed. He’s a perfect fit for Yulong’s roster, and we believe breeders will be as excited about him as we are, especially once they lay eyes on him.”

Performance

Facts

Race record

AgeRuns1st2nd3rdEarnings
2321$197,350
38212$2,830,800
Totals11422

$3,028,150

AT 2

SAJC Breeders’ S., Gr.3 (1200m)

MVRC Valley Pearl S., L (1200m)

2nd ATC (Kensington) Prague Yearlings Maiden 2YO P. (1100m)

AT 3

MRC HDF McNeil S., Gr.3 (1200m)

VRC Poseidon S., L (1100m)

2nd MVRC Manikato S., Gr.1 (1200m)

3rd ATC (Randwick) The Everest, Gr.1 (1200m)

3rd VRC Coolmore Stud S., Gr.1 (1200m)

4th VRC Newmarket H., Gr.1 (1200m)

Pedigree

News

Growing+Empire_23-03-2024_WIN_Moonee+Valley_2__144_3600x2400_6685901 EDIT
One of the most exciting colts of his generation, Growing Empire, will join Yulong Stud’s stallion roster for the 2025 breeding season. A brilliantly fast...
4 May 2025
aaa_2376
Star three-year-old Growing Empire is set to conquer new heights on Saturday, 19th October as Yulong’s 2024 runner in The Everest. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt...
7 October 2024
Southport Tycoon thrills in Gr.1 Manikato Stakes
Southport Tycoon delivered a stunning performance in the Manikato Stakes, clinching victory by a bob of the head. Jockey Mark Zahra made up 2.5 lengths...
29 September 2024

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