SIMON Davies is putting together one of the finest collections of National Hunt mares, many to be covered by his three stallions, Planteur, Bangkok and Walzertakt.

He owns, among others, Put The Kettle On and Quilita, the dam of Quilixios.

Back in May, at the Auctav Online Sale, Davies spent €230,000 on the four-year-old filly Royale Margaux, a listed winner over fences at Auteuil and over hurdles at Compiegne. This daughter of the leading sire Doctor Dino (Muhtathir) was left in training with David Cottin, and on Sunday she triumphed by seven lengths in the Grade 1 Corse Siepi dei 4 Anni Hurdle at Merano.

The well-travelled and performed Doctor Dino needs no introduction to Irish breeders and trainers. Royale Margaux’s Grade 1 success makes her the seventh son or daughter of the Haras du Mesnil-based sire, who stood for €20,000 this year, to win at this level, and what exceptional company she is keeping. The others are Sharjah, State Man, Docteur De Ballon, Sceau Royal, La Bague Au Roi and Master Dino.

The female side of the family is equally impressive. A daughter of the listed Auteuil hurdle winner Royale Cazoumaille (Villez), Royale Margaux is one of four winners from that mare, and three have won blacktype races.

Royal Astarania (Astarabad) won the Group 2 Prix Murat Chase, while Royal Pagaille (Blue Bresil) is more widely-known, winning the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase twice for Venetia Williams, most recently in January.