The Last Lion (2c Choisir – Mala Mala, by Brief Truce) followed up on an excellent second in the Norfolk Stakes when winning the Listed Dragon Stakes in taking style at Sandown. 

Bred by Barronstown in partnership with Mrs Stack, The Last Lion won on debut in April and remained racing over the minimum distance for his latest start. Sent off favourite under Franny Norton, the Mark Johnston-trained colt tracked the leaders, until asserting from two out. Soon clear, he was ridden out to score by two lengths, unchallenged. 

John Brown, who owns The Last Lion with Megan Dennis, afterwards commented, “The only time The Last Lion has not finished a race as the best horse at the weights was Royal Ascot. We could have gone to France for a Group 2, but this win should have done his confidence a lot of good. I imagine Mark (Johnston) will be looking at the Molecomb.”

The Last Lion becomes the third Stakes horse bred out of Mala Mala, herself placed twice at Group 1 level, while her half-sister Tarascon won both the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Cheveley Park Stud Stakes.