The winner of the 2021 Group 1 WATC Railway Stakes and Group II Western Australian Derby, the 6-year-old Iffraaj (GB) gelding Western Empire turned back the clock to win Sunday’s $200,000 Group III Tabtouch Northam Stakes (1300m).
Ridden by Willie Pike for Grant and Alana Williams, the heavily backed favourite came from midfield with a weaving run in the straight to win by a widening two and a half lengths from Mood Swings (War Chant), with Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) a half length back in third.
The Williams stable enjoyed great success with Western Empire before he spent time in Melbourne with Danny O’Brien and John Leek Jnr.
After Western Empire failed to place in seven starts, he was sold on Inglis Digital in October last year with Yevrah Investments having the final say at $150,000.
The former Peters Investments colour bearer finished a troubled third in the $200,000 Joey on his return home.
The son of Iffraaj (GB) advanced his record to eight wins, two seconds and four thirds with earnings of $1,654,950.
“It was a no brainer to buy him when he came up for sale,” Grant Williams said.
“He is probably the second best horse we have ever had. We thought he may have a few problems, but there is nothing wrong with him.
“He is in great nick and is in a good space.
“It’s exciting. You don’t often get a chance to train these sorts of horses, not now, we have to tray and buy them. It’s great to have him back in our care.
“We will have to make some plans and may even go back to Melbourne.”
A half-brother to the stakes-winner Western Temple (Dream Ahead), Western Empire is the best of five winners from seven to race out of the Group II WATC Perth Cup winner Western Jewel (Jeune).
Darling View Thoroughbreds purchased Western Jewel for $55,000 from the Holbrook Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
She has a yearling colt by Toronado (IRE) named Westbound and was covered by Playing God last spring after missing in 2022.
