Strathalbyn was the scene for Refuse To Bend's first Australian-bred success when Imperial Lines scored under Claire Lindop on his debut for trainer Leon McDonald.
The colt showed an impressive burst of speed in the 1100m contest having been settled near the rear of the field and asked for an effort in the closing stages to win by a head. His jockey made history at the VRC Spring Carnival when becoming the first female to win the Derby, partnering Reset's impressive son Rebel Raider.
Bred by Mr and Mrs Malcolm Hale, Imperial Lines was a $90,000 yearling purchased by David Bridgland. He is out of My Duchess (Royal Academy) and is a half-brother to black-type earner Laletta.
Refuse To Bend made a good start to his stud career in the northern hemisphere where his first crop garnered 16 individual winners including the Stakes horses Mibar, Cannwin and Favourite Girl.
