Lonhro began the Australian racing season with a winning start as Beirut claimed a dominant victory in the G3 Spring Stakes over 1200m at Morphetville, 6 August.

Following a brief spell, the six-year-old mare showed nice gate speed to take the lead from the outset. Although relatively unchallenged, Beirut showed her class leading all the way to take out her maiden Stakes win and fifth consecutive victory.

A homebred for Victoria’s Andrew Gilopoulous, Beirut is out of Leica Light, herself a half-sister to New Zealand’s dual Group winner Delbrae.

Beirut becomes Lonhro’s 63rd career Stakes winner, including his first ever Stakes winner at Saragota, Holding Gold, over the weekend. He has also sired fellow Darley stallions Exosphere and Denman.

Lonhro will stand the upcoming breeding season at Kelvinside at a fee of $88,000 (including GST), alongside Exosphere at $27,500 (including GST) and Denman at $11,000 (including GST).