Our Royal Lady firming as SA Broodmare of the Year

South Australia has produced some exceptional Broodmare of the Year winners in recent seasons, and the leading harness racing contender for the 2025 title appears to be the Lincoln Royal mare Our Royal Lady.

Her credentials were on full display at Globe Derby on Saturday night when her brilliant three‑year‑old Hez So Royal captured the Southern Cross Final. Adding further shine to her record, his older half‑brother Hezrockinroyality also saluted on the same program. The double marked a significant milestone for trainer Alan Cronin, bringing up his 100th career winner.

A Chance Purchase That Sparked a Legacy

The story of Our Royal Lady began in 2016 when long‑time harness racing participant and Cronin stable client Greg Moy spotted a Lincoln Royal filly in a paddock at Yorkshire Park Standardbreds. Moy—well known across the industry as a trainer, administrator, and now Vice President of the Ballarat Harness Racing Club—was inspecting yearlings when he casually asked breeders Dennis and Brenda Bice what they wanted for the filly. The answer was $5000, but Moy left the property having secured her for $4500.

Named Our Royal Lady, the filly made only three racetrack appearances, but she made an immediate impression. She won the time‑honoured SA Sapling Stakes on debut, defeating none other than future star Bulletproof Boy, before injury ended her racing career and redirected her to the broodmare paddock.

A Broodmare Making Her Mark

From there, Our Royal Lady has built one of the most impressive modern broodmare records in South Australia. Her progeny include:

• Royal Watch – 7 wins, including 3 this season
• Hezrockinroyality – 12 wins, 4 this season, and a courageous third in the SA Pacing Cup
• Hez So Royal – 7 wins, all recorded this season
• A yearling colt by King Of Swing, the triple Miracle Mile champion, yet to step out

She is currently back in foal to For A Reason, adding further excitement to what is already a flourishing family.

Our Royal Lady also hails from a strong maternal line, tracing back to 1980 standouts Karamea Duplicity and Queensland performer Robert Harlyn.

Hez So Royal Heads for a Break

After a superb season that saw him sweep South Australia’s Two‑Year‑Old Triple Crown—the Golden Nursery, Lordship Stakes, and Southern Cross Final—Hez So Royal will now enjoy a well‑earned spell.

by Gary Newton