Roman Empire (2c Galileo – Shermeen, by Desert Style) built on a promising debut to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran Park on Monday afternoon.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt stayed on well into fourth at the track in July and stepped up to a mile on his reappearance. Seamie Heffernan rode him to make all, asking his mount to quicken approaching two furlongs out and went clear to record a winning margin of two lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “he’s been nurtured along so, I suppose, Group/Classic material is where they really want to end up. I’d be happy enough to say a mile is comfortable enough for him, maybe even back a furlong starting next year.”

Owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs John Magnier, Roman Empire holds entries in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby and Irish Derby. Bred by Barronstown Stud out of US Stakes winner Shermeen, he is a half-brother to Group 1 Phoenix Stakes victor Sudirman.