The Last Lion (2c Choisir – Mala Mala, by Brief Truce) gained the second black-type win of his career when storming home in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes at Kempton. 

A Listed winner in July, the Mark Johnston-trained colt was subsequently placed in both the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes and Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York. Reunited with Joe Fanning at Kempton, he tracked the leader for much of the six furlong contest and was shaken up to lead over a furlong from home, from which he quickened clear to beat the favourite Koropick by four lengths. 

On future plans, part-owner Megan Dennis commented, “The Last Lion was having his eighth run of the season and could be back on the track as soon as Friday. He’s in at Doncaster and he takes his racing so well you couldn’t rule it out. He also holds an entry in the Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket later this month.”

Bred by Barronstown Stud in partnership with Mrs Stack, 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.