The Danehill Rose provided Danehill Express with his first winner at Ascot on Saturday.  The Mungrup Stud sire had been knocking on the door with four placegetters prior to the breakthrough.

The Danehill Rose (2f Danehill Express – Rose Of Thunder by Metal Storm) was caught wide during the Budget Car/Truck Rental Plate (1000m) but kept finding to fend off late closer Profound Effect (Fath) by a neck.

“That was one of the best two year-old fields so far this season,” trainer Bob Macpherson declared.  “There were a few that fancied their chances so the win is all the more satisfying .”

Danehill Express was a million-dollar graduate of the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale for trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith.  He was a Listed winner at Caulfield as well a being G1 runner-up to Al Maher in the 2005 Australian Guineas at Flemington.

Danehill Express (Danehill) is the last foal of G1 AJC Oaks winner Savana City.  His stud career was delayed by a severe leg injury that required surgery at Murdoch University.  Recovering from the life-threatening paddock accident, he served an initial book of 136 mares in 2008.

The Danehill Rose (2f Danehill Express – Rose Of Thunder by Metal Storm) is prepared by Macpherson for part-owner and breeder John Molloy.  She was catalogued but withdrawn from the 2011 Perth Magic Millions.

Her dam Rose of Thunder won 6 races including the 2003 Perth Magic Millions 2YO Classic.  She has also foaled the Oratorio stakes performer Wizards Point.  Second dam Zanta Rose (Conquistarose) is a half sister to New Zealand stakes winner Stone Rose.

Danehill Express had 9 second-crop yearlings average $46,400 at last week’s Perth Magic Millions Premier Sale.