Boban became the first horse since 1986 to complete the Epsom Handicap – Emirates Stakes double when he nailed the last Group 1 of the Melbourne Cup carnival on Saturday.

The son of Darley sire Bernardini emulated Chanteclair (Haulpak) who claimed both Big Miles for trainer Tommy Smith and owner Robert Holmes a Court.

Boban (4g Bernardini – Kenbelle by Kenmare) claimed his first black-type in the G3 Bill Ritchie Hcp at Randwick before grabbing a last-stride victory in the G1 Epsom.  His superb spring continued down south in the G3 Moonga Stakes on Caulfield Cup day prior to peaking again in the G1 Emirates Stakes.

“He’s a superstar,” trainer Chris Waller said.  “I nearly gave up on him a year ago but he was gelded and now has the confidence to win.

“I thought he was the winner at the 100 metre mark but he had to find a lot,” Waller added.  “He’s got fight as well as brilliance and is a pretty exciting horse looking to the future.”

Waller indicated the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) will be his autumn goal with a view to being back in Melbourne for the 2014 Cox Plate.

Boban was bred in Queensland by Greendale Lodge and was a $100,000 buy at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He is the sixth winner from 1996 G1 Australian Oaks winner Kenbelle.  The mare has a 2yo filly by Teofilo and a yearling colt by Authorized.

Kenbelle is due to foal a full relation to Boban in the coming few weeks.  Winning sire Bernardini stands at Darley Kelvinside at a fee of $33,000 (inc gst).