Rockemperor (IRE)

Rockemperor began his career in France and won two of seven starts in Europe, including a runner-up finish in the Group 3 Prix la Force.

He finished third in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes in July 2019 in his first start in the United States. He continued to compete against elite competition in the U.S., placing six times in graded stakes competition over the next two year, including a second in the Grade 1 Manhattan Stakes in 2020.

Rockemperor broke through for his first graded stakes win on Oct. 9, 2021, and did so on a big stage. He won the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes by two lengths in a 15.60-1 upset, rallying from last for the surprise victory. He was unplaced in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf and the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes to close out his 5-year-old season.

Rockemperor returned to trainer Chad Brown for his 6-year-old campaign. Unplaced in both the Fort Marcy Stakes and Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes to start 2022, he got back to his best July 31 at Saratoga Race Course with a half-length win in the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes on July 31.