Western Empire wins with William Pike aboard.
UPDATE: Western Australia’s favorite racehorse, Western Empire, is set to make a grand return in the Group 2 $300,000 Lee Steere Stakes at Ascot this Saturday. Co-trainer Grant Williams has declared the eight-year-old is in peak condition, ready to take on the competition at 1400m.
Western Empire has proven his versatility over the years, triumphing in events ranging from the 2400m Derby at three to sprinting in the Winterbottom Stakes and Quokka at seven. Williams issued an urgent warning to the competition, stating, “I don’t think I’ve had him better. We’ve got him as good as we’ve ever had him soundness-wise.”
The co-trainer highlighted significant improvements in Western Empire’s health and performance. “His gut problems are great, his attitude is great. Last prep, we couldn’t catch him in the paddock; now we can,” Williams noted. These signs indicate the horse is in exceptional form heading into the race.
Western Empire, sharing $3 favoritism with Super Smink, recently placed third in the Crawford Stakes on October 18. However, Williams reassured fans that match practice will not be an issue for Western Empire, who successfully trialed over 950m at Lark Hill in both September and October.
“We trialed him pretty early just in case we needed a bit of extra time to get him ready, and he actually came up really good,” said Williams. He added, “We’re rapt with him. He’s nice and fit, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Looking ahead, Williams and his wife, Alana, plan to target the Railway Stakes, despite having the top weight. “I was very encouraged by the run of Rope Them In last week over 1400m with the higher weight against our main rivals in the Railway,” he remarked.
Western Empire, who has already earned $3 million and won last year’s Gold Rush, is currently a $10 fourth favorite for the Railway, trailing behind Cosmic Crusader at $3.60, Watch Me Rock at $5.50, and Super Smink at $9.
As the excitement builds for the Lee Steere Stakes, fans are eager to see if Western Empire can reclaim his status as one of the top competitors in the racing world. With his proven track record and the confidence of his trainers, this race promises to be a thrilling event for all involved.
Stay tuned for live updates and results as Western Empire makes his much-anticipated return to the track!
