Backgammon became the first winner for Darley sire Domesday when he scored an impressive debut win at Flemington in the Beachside Plate (1200m) on Saturday.

He was given time to find his feet by Mark Zahra before finishing strongly down the outside to score by two lengths.

Darley’s Melbourne foreman Paul Snowden was pleased with the victory.  “He got a virus and we had put him away,” Snowden said.   “We thought a little bit of him and he’s going to improve – there’s no doubt about that.”

Backgammon (2g Domesday-Varied by Grand Lodge) is from a half-sister to G3 C S Hayes Stakes winner Youth (Quest For Fame) and Veteran (Canny Lad).

Domesday (Red Ransom) was a high class two-year old who fetched $420,000 at the 2004 inglis Easter yearling sale.   In a career that spanned just eight starts he won twice including the 2005 G2 Silver Slipper Stakes.

“Domesday was a brilliant two-year-old who met and beat eight Group 1 winners including Stratum, Snitzel and Undoubtedly,” former Woodlands Stud manager Trevor Lobb recalled.  “He has an exceptionally strong pedigree as he comes from the extremely successful Dancing Show family.”

Trained by John Hawkes, Domesday began his initial preparation in Sydney where he finished second to Snitzel in a barrier trial before travelling to Melbourne where he defeated subsequent G1 winner Testafiable on debut at Caulfield.

Returning to Sydney, he scored a dominant win in the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, claiming the scalps of subsequent stakes-winning juveniles Flying Pegasus, Dr Green and Jet Spur.

That victory ensured him a start in the G1 Golden Slipper Stakes where he finished three lengths fifth after being slow to begin and meeting with trouble in running.

Domesday is a son of Vinery’s recently deceased champion Red Ransom and he hails from one of the most influential stallion making families in recent years.  His dam In The Past hails from the same family as champion sire Redoute’s Choice as well as Umatilla and Hurricane Sky, Al Maher and Spinning World.”