Roaring Lion wins Frankel race on debut

The Qatar Racing-owned Roaring Lion made a winning debut at Newmarket on Friday in the same race Frankel made his own first start.

Frankel famously beat Nathaniel in what was then a mile maiden in 2010, with the future Gold Cup winner Colour Vision well down the field, and Roaring Lion (pictured) did what Nathaniel couldn't quite do and gave John Gosden a victory in the race - now a novice event - this year.

With Harry Bentley deputising for Oisin Murphy in the saddle, Roaring Lion travelled well through the race before putting matters to bed in the final furlong, striding clear of Abandon Ship. With the runner-up having made his only previous start in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the third being the 2.1m-guinea yearling Ghostwatch, the form could well be strong and Roaring Lion looks sure to make his mark at a higher level. He is entered in the Derby.

Roaring Lion was purchased by David Redvers for $160,000 at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale. He is by the champion North American sire Kitten's Joy out of the Street Sense mare Vionnet, who was third in the Gr. 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes. Vionnet is a half-sister to Schiaparelli, whose wins included the Gr. 2 Royal Heroine Mile Stakes.