Western Empire continued in his quest to amass yet more Black Type victories when he swooped to take the G3 Strickland Stakes over 2000m at Belmont, Australia on Saturday 13th June 2026.
The son of Iffraaj was seeking his third successive victory of his 2026 campaign and scored easily under jockey William Pike. Happy to take a lead through the race, the Grant and Alana Williams-trained gelding travelled sweetly behind the leading group. As the field rounded to home turn, Western Empire, still on the bridle, nosed his way between the leaders before easily lengthening away under no more than hands and heels nudging from his rider. With an impressive strike rate of 35% wins to runs, all of his ten victories have amazingly come at Group level.
Bred in New Zealand by Peters Investments PTY Ltd, Western Empire is out of the mare Western Jewel (Jeune), herself a G2 winner.
Iffraaj continues to be a force for providing Group performers and his progeny include 2025 Antipodean G1 winning sprinter Grail Seeker and this year's G1 Pouliches runner-up The Last Dance.
