Middle Earth, who began his racing career owned solely by Qatar Racing in the UK before being part-sold to Australia, gained his first Stakes success Down Under when winning the Gr.3 JRA Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben in May. 

Middle Earth began his racing career with John & Thady Gosden in the summer 2023, winning three races that year, inc. the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot in the claret and gold.

He returned in 2024 with another Stakes victory in the Gr.3 Sky Sports Racing Stakes (Aston Park) at Newbury and was a creditable 3rd in the Gr.2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

After being bought privately – though Qatar Racing retained an interest – Middle Earth was transferred to Australia in the second half of 2024. 

His debut in Australia saw him win at Flemington and he ran a stormer when 3rd of 24 to Half Yours in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup there last November. 

Middle Earth was given a superb ride by Ethan Brown to beat 12 rivals – inc. another horse who previously carried the Qatar Racing colours in Zoology (by Zoustar) – to win the Gr.3 Chairman’s Handicap. The partnership hugged the rail throughout and won by a cosy length. 

Trained by Ciaron Maher, Middle Earth is by the late Roaring Lion and out of Stakes-winning Galileo mare Roheryn, also the dam of Australian Gr.1 winner Buckaroo and Stakes-placed pair Kihavah and Siege of Troy. 

Middle Earth was born, raised and grazed at Tweenhills in Gloucestershire, UK, home to the Qatar Racing stallions Kameko and Lightning Spear.