Empire Rose

Empire Rose (1982 - 2002) was one of the most popular Thoroughbred mares to race in New Zealand and Australia. She was a gigantic chestnut, only just fitting into the barrier stalls in Melbourne.

Trained by Laurie Laxon, one of New Zealand's foremost trainers, at the Laurie Laxon Racing Stables at Cambridge, New Zealand, Empire Rose raced 48 times for nine wins and eight placings for NZ$2,644,234 (A$1.95 million). Among her major successes were the 1987 New Zealand Cup, the 1988 LKS Mackinnon Stakes, the 1988 Melbourne Cup and the 1989 Trentham Stakes.

Empire Rose was by the champion New Zealand sire, Sir Tristram (IRE), from Summer Fleur by Sovereign Edition (IRE), and was expected to perform well like other Sir Tristram progeny. She showed promise when fifth in 1986 Melbourne Cup and was second in a bumpy finish to the cup in 1987.

In 1988, Empire Rose won the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday 29 October, then made her third attempt at the "two-miler" on the following Tuesday. Young rider Tony Allan had the mare handily placed all the way and she led the big field around the home turn. Despite a flashing finish from Natski, Empire Rose refused to give in, winning by a short head on the line. Natski's rump was actually ahead of hers, highlighting her large size. She was given a rousing reception for her win, given it was the first time a mare had won the race in 23 years - the last being the New Zealander Light Fingers.