Hengroin & Rawalpindi Expresss the latest new winners for Lucky Vega

Hengroin Impresses with Comfortable Victory at Epsom Downs

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the two-year-old colt Hengroin (IRE) delivered an eye-catching performance to score his first career success in the Sporting Times Sri Lanka EBF Restricted Novice Stakes over 7f 3y at Epsom Downs. Hengroin, trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by Jason Watson, he asserted control inside the final furlong and went on to win by 1½ lengths from Parole Officer. Champagne Dream finished third, beaten 2¼ lengths. The winning time was 1 m 27.32 s. Hengroin (IRE) was foaled on March 31, 2023, sired by Lucky Vega (IRE) out of Verriya (FR) (by Zamindar). The colt is owned by Mr. Refai Alghraiban and bred by Mr. Ian Thompson.

 

Prior to this breakthrough, Hengroin (IRE) had made two previous starts without winning: finishing second over 6f at Windsor in early June and fourth over 5f at Salisbury in May. Both runs came on firm ground and suggested he was still learning his trade. During the race, Jason Watson positioned Hengroin stalking the early pace before gradually delivering his challenge nearing the home turn. Once asked in the final furlong, the colt took charge with authority, showing a measured turn of foot to pull clear.  Following this debut win in a novice stakes, connections may consider advancing Hengroin into higher-class two-year-old events in the future.

 

Rawalpindi Express Breaks Maiden at Carlisle

On Monday, 4 August 2025, the son of Lucky Vega, Rawalpindi Express (IRE) achieved a first career win in the Oddschecker Nursery Handicap at Carlisle Racecourse over 7 furlongs 173 yards. Rawalpindi Express, ridden by Pierre‑Louis Jamin, produced a commanding performance, winning by 3¼ lengths from Homestrait (IRE), Lady Lauren (IRE) took third.

 

Bred by Seamus O’Neill, Rawalpindi Express realised €22,000 as a foal at the Goffs November Sale. Trained by Tom Dascombe, Rawalpindi Express (Lucky Vega – Shawaaty (Monsun), had made three previous starts —including at Nottingham, Newcastle, and Chepstow. Stepping into a nursery handicap, Rawalpindi Express displayed tactical speed, composure, and a solid turn of foot to outstay the field. Jamin produced a well-judged ride, settling him off the pace before driving clear in the final furlong. The ease of the win and margin suggest he may have more scope for improvement as he continues his career.

 

 

Share