Coolmore shuttler Holy Roman Emperor sired Banimpire to an upset win in the G3 Ballysax Stakes (2000m) at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The win was Holy Roman Emperor’s first at Group level but the result didn’t go according to script when Banimpire repelled the challenges Regent Street and odds-on favourite Recital.

Ballydoyle colt Recital (Montjeu) started an odds-on favourite but refused to settle.  He made late ground, however, bookmakers immediately eased him from 8-1 out to 12-1 for the English Derby.

He had been on the second line of English Derby betting behind winter favourite Frankel after winning the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud by five lengths in November.

Banimpire (3f Holy Roman Emperor-My Renee by Kris S) was bred by Kilcarn Stud and was a 52,000 euros buy for trainer Jim Bolger at the 2009 Goffs Orby yearling sale.  “That wasn’t a big surprise as we always felt she would stay the trip,” Bolger said.  “We’ve a few choices but the Guineas is a definite option.”

Banimpire’s dam My Renee was a Listed winner at Ascot and Cork.  Her second dam Detroit won the Arc de Triomphe and foaled four stakes winners included Arc winner Carnegie.

Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill) was a G1 winner of the 2006 Phoenix Stakes and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.  He was retired at short notice by Coolmore the following year to replace George Washington who had fertility issues.

He began shuttling to Australia in 2007 and has sired two winners from eight starters to date.  His first Hunter Valley conceived winner was Holy Moly at Te Rapa on November 6.  His first Australian winner arrived with Like A Bird at Ipswich on December 4.