What an incredible day it was at Caulfield on Saturday when Royal Meeting sired his first Group 1 winner when Hayasugi won the $2million Blue Diamond.
It was a very proud moment for the entire team at Leneva Park, especially Brian Byrnes who has been by Royal Meeting's side since his first day in the breeding shed.
"It's a very satisfying moment for sure, he has been such a good stallion to work with and to get a Group 1 winner with one of his first runners is outstanding," said Byrnes.
Winning jockey Jamie Kah noted Hayasugi's class was to the fore and her future was bright.
"The team's done an amazing job with her but the horse itself, she's just coped with everything, she was the quietest horse out there, she was a pony. She just loves her job, loves her work," said Kah.
Leneva Park took over responsibility for the career of Royal Meeting in the stallion's second season, boosting his book to over 100 mares in seasons two and three - giving the stallion every possible chance of prolonged success.
"He's incredibly fertile so we're going to see a lot of foals out there, that gives him every chance to produce another star like Hayasugi," said Leneva Park General Manager Mick Sharkie.
A hearty congratulations to all connections involved with Hayasugi, trainer Clinton McDonald, breeder Mike McDonnell, owners Shane McGrath and his team including James Bester and Cara Mok, and of course jockey Jamie Kah for a masterful ride. We hope the celebrations went long and strong!