With his first ever runner in a million dollar race trainer Ron Leemon struck gold today with Manawanui saluting in the Group 1 ATC Golden Rose at Rosehill.

Manawanui ($45,000 2010 Classic, 3g Oratorio(IRE)-Lady Remlap), who has proven very adaptable in all his starts, defeated homebreds Smart Missile and Helmet, adding to Inglis’ great run in three-year-old stakes races.

Of the ten individual three-year-old stakes winners in Australia this season that were offered at auction, nine are graduates of Inglis Select Yearling Sales.

Coming into the race off a 4.5 length victory in the Group 3 ATC Up & Coming Stakes, today’s victory was Manawanui’s fourth win from just five starts for his ecstatic connections, takings his earnings to $765,000.

“Amazing, it’s tremendous, a dream come true”, said Ron Leemon.

“I’m so pleased for everybody that’s been involved with the stable, we’ve battled but we’ve got there”.

Bred by Wayne Palmer and snapped up by Leemon from Goodwood Farm’s draft at the 2010 Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale, the son of Oratorio (IRE) has lived right up to his name, which means bold and courageous in Maori.

Goodwood Farm will offer at full brother to Manawanui (pictured) at the 2012 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Picture: Sportpix