Verry Elleegant (12 October 2015 – 18 February 2024) was a New Zealand-bred Australian-trained Thoroughbred racehorse that won 11 Group One races. She was crowned the 2020/2021 Australian Racehorse of the Year, and was the winner of the 2021 Melbourne Cup and 2020 Caulfield Cup.
| Verry Elleegant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sire | Zed |
| Grandsire | Zabeel |
| Dam | Opulence |
| Damsire | Danroad |
| Sex | Female |
| Foaled | 12 October 2015 |
| Died | 18 February 2024 (aged 8) |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Colour | Bay |
| Breeder | JD Goodwin |
| Owner | Jomara Bloodstock Ltd et al. |
| Trainer | Nicholas Bishara (2018) Darren Weir (2018) Chris Waller (2019–2022) Francis-Henri Graffard (2022 onwards) |
| Record | 36: 16–7–3 |
| Earnings | A$ 14,643,244[1] |
| Major wins | |
| Ethereal Stakes (2018) Phar Lap Stakes (2019) Vinery Stud Stakes (2019) Australian Oaks (2019) Hill Stakes (2019) Tancred Stakes (2020) Winx Stakes (2020) Turnbull Stakes (2020) Caulfield Cup (2020) Chipping Norton Stakes (2021, 2022) Ranvet Stakes (2021) George Main Stakes (2021) Melbourne Cup (2021) | |
| Awards | |
| Australian Racehorse of the Year (2020/21) Australian Champion Stayer (2020/21), (2021/22) Australian Champion Middle Distance Racehorse (2020/21) | |
Background
editVerry Elleegant was out of the New Zealand race mare Opulence, which was owned by her initial trainer, Nick Bishara.[2] After Opulence won two races she was sold at the 2011 Mixed Sale at Karaka to Don Goodwin, who is the owner of Very Elleegant's sire, Zed. The horse was named after Goodwin's granddaughter Ellee. Previously, he had named her brother "Verry Flash", adopting the "verry" spelling to be distinctive.[3] Both Bishara and Goodwin struck up a friendship and raced Verry Elleegant until she was sold to clients of Australian trainer Darren Weir.[4]
Racing career
edit2017/18: two-year-old season
editVerry Elleegant made her racing debut on 7 July 2018. She finished second at Te Rapa Racecourse in New Zealand, ridden by Rowena Smyth in the Majestic Horse Floats Plate.[5]
2018/19: three-year-old season
editOne month after her debut run, Verry Elleegant won her first race, a maiden,[6] in convincing style at Ruakaka when ridden by Rowena Smyth. After producing a last to first victory, Smyth said after the race, "That was awesome the way she picked them up and flew past them. She just took off. Once she gets over a trip when she is older she is going to be a lovely filly."[7]
After back-to-back wins with a further dominant victory at Matamata Racecourse in a benchmark 65 race,[8] Verry Elleegant was sold and transferred to Australian trainer, Darren Weir, with the intention of the horse participating in the forthcoming Spring Racing Carnival. Darren Weir's Australian clients purchased a fifty per cent share of the horse, with Jomara Bloodstock and the original ownership group retaining a 25 per cent share.[9]
At her Australian debut, Verry Elleegant ran a luckless third placing in the Edward Manifold Stakes. Former trainer and part owner Nick Bishara said after the race, "It's a pity she didn't win, but still it was a top run and it showed she is up to the class over there." Despite the third placing, Verry Elleegant firmed into favouritism for the Group 1 VRC Oaks.[10]
In what is considered a lead up to the Oaks, Verry Elleegant ran in the Ethereal Stakes. She raced fiercely in the early stages of the 2000-metre race, but rider John Allen settled her into a midfield position. Allen angled her out into clear space in the straight, and she stretched out to win by half a length.[11]
Verry Elleegant finished unplaced in her next two starts, the Wakeful Stakes and the VRC Oaks. Following these runs she was removed from the stables of trainer Darren Weir, due to Police charging him with animal cruelty offences and conspiracy to defraud.[12] She was transferred to the Sydney stables of trainer Chris Waller.
After a 3-month break Verry Elleegant was successful in two Group 1 races in succession, the Vinery Stud Stakes and the Australian Oaks. After her win in the Oaks trainer Waller said, "That was a brilliant win. She's a very exceptional filly and I think the best is yet to come."[13]
2019/20: four-year-old season
editVerry Elleegant returned to racing on 24 August 2019 however finished unplaced in the Winx Stakes. She then finished unplaced at her next start behind Avilius in the George Main Stakes. On 5 October she was a last stride winner in the Hill Stakes.[14] She then contested the 2019 Cox Plate at the odds of 20/1, however was beaten some 10 lengths by Japanese horse Lys Gracieux. Jockey James McDonald said after the race, "It's probably a year too soon for her. She just doesn't execute well enough for a Cox Plate."[15]
After a four month break, Verry Elleegant resumed racing on 15 February 2020 and was a fast finishing fourth behind Alizee in the Apollo Stakes. Two second placings followed in the Chipping Norton Stakes and the Ranvet Stakes before she won her third Group 1 race in the Tancred Stakes.[16]
2020/21: five-year-old season
editOn 22 August 2020, Verry Elleegant returned to racing after a four month break in the Winx Stakes at Randwick. Starting the fourth favourite at odds of $7.50, she sat wide throughout the run and after hitting the front in the straight she was then clearly headed by stablemate Star Of The Seas. However under vigorous riding from jockey James McDonald, Verry Elleegant fought back to win the race by a narrow margin and captured her fourth Group 1 race.[17]
On 19 September 2020, Verry Elleegant started the $2.20 favourite in the George Main Stakes at Randwick. She got back in the small field of only seven runners before jockey James McDonald went for a tight run in the straight, however he was forced back onto the fence by the Godolphin raced Oaks winner Colette. Eventually Verry Elleegant finished unplaced in fourth position but only beaten by just over a length margin by stable mate Kolding.[18]
On 3 October 2020, Verry Elleegant had her next race in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Starting as the $5 favourite she won the race in a close finish with only one length separating the first six placings. This proved to be her fifth victory at Group 1 level. Trainer Chris Waller who trained the first three runners past the post said after the race, "She's (Verry Elleegant) tough, she's back on track and looking forward to the Caulfield Cup".[19]
On October 17, Verry Elleegant started the $5 favourite in the Caulfield Cup. Ridden by Mark Zahra, she settled in the second half of the field throughout, before making her move 600 metres from the finish line. After hitting the front in the home straight, she went head-to-head with Irish horse Anthony Van Dyck who drew level with her, however Verry Elleegant produced a late effort to win by a margin of a short neck.[20]
On November 3, Verry Elleegant attempted to achieve the historic Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double, but she finished seventh in the 2020 Melbourne Cup to Twilight Payment. She started from barrier 15 and carried 55.5 kg and was beaten just under 4 lengths.
On 13 February 2021 Verry Elleegant resumed racing in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick over 1,400 metres. Starting the $2.50 favourite she finished in third placing, beaten just over 2 lengths by the Godolphin mare Colette.
On 27 February she was successful in her seventh Group 1 race when defeating the Godolphin horses Colette and Avilius in the Chipping Norton Stakes.[21]
On 27 February she defeated Addeybb in the Ranvet Stakes. Trainer Chris Waller described her after the race as being, "world-class".[22]
2021/22: six-year-old season
editVerry Elleegant returned to racing after a 3+1⁄2-month spell on 21 August 2021 in the Winx Stakes at Randwick. She started favourite at $4.20, but finished second by a quarter of a length to Mo'unga.
On 18 September she ran in the Group 1 George Main Stakes at Randwick. She started odds on favourite at $1.75 and won by a three-quarter length over Riodini.
On 2 October, she returned to defend her Turnbull Stakes victory the year prior at Flemington. She started as favourite at $2.10, ahead of Incentivise at $2.70. She jumped well, settling two out from the rail in fourth. She maintained this position until 500 m to go, where she drew alongside the leaders four from the rail. She held here before being dropped at the 150 m, eventually finishing 4th behind Incentivise, Young Werther and Chapada, three and a half lengths shy of the winner.
Verry Elleegant was placed third in the Cox Plate behind State Of Rest and Anamoe.
On 2 November she won the 2021 Melbourne Cup, ridden by James McDonald, ahead of Incentivise and Spanish Mission. It was the first Melbourne Cup victory for both trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald.[23]
2022/23: seven-year-old season
editIn May 2022, Verry Elleegant was transferred to the Chantilly, France stable of Francis-Henri Graffard to build up for an attempt at the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in October 2022 but was excluded from the race due to various conditions.[24]
After a disappointing campaign in France and at Ascot, Verry Elleegant was retired.[25]
Death
editVerry Elleegant died due to complications whilst in foal on 18 February 2024, at the age of 8. Her foal also died.[26]
Racing summary
editThe following are some of Verry Elleegant's races.
| Date | Age | Race | Class | Distance | Track | Field | Finish | Winning Time | Going | Odds[a] | Margin | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Jul 2018 [27] | 2 | Majestic Horse Floats Plate | Open | 1200m | Te Rapa | 7 | 2 | 1:13.28 | Slow | 27.30 | (2.8 lengths) | Rowena Smyth |
| 12 Aug 2018 [28] | 3 | Nzb Insurance Pearl Series Mdn | Maiden | 1400m | Ruakaka | 12 | 1 | 1:25.98 | Dead | 3.20 | 2.5 lengths | R Smyth |
| 12 Sep 2018 [29] | 3 | Nzb Insurance Pearl Series (Bm65) | BM65 | 1400m | Matamata | 8 | 1 | 1:25.73 | Slow | 2.00 | 2.3 lengths | R Smyth |
| 6 Oct 2018 | 3 | Edward Manifold Stakes | G2 | 1600m | Flemington | 13 | 3 | 1:37.48 | Good | 4.25 | (2.6 lengths) | John Allen |
| 20 Oct 2018 | 3 | Ethereal Stakes | G3 | 2000m | Caulfield | 16 | 1 | 2:05.56 | Soft | 2.38 | 0.5 lengths | J Allen |
| 3 Nov 2018 | 3 | Wakeful Stakes | G2 | 2000m | Flemington | 11 | 5 | 2:01.36 | Good | 2.38 | (3.7 lengths) | J Allen |
| 8 Nov 2018 | 3 | VRC Oaks | G1 | 2500m | Flemington | 15 | 7 | 2:40.54 | Good | 5.00 | (6.1 lengths) | J Allen |
| 16 Feb 2019 | 3 | The Vanity | G3 | 1400m | Flemington | 10 | 2 | 1:22.14 | Good | 7.00 | (1 length) | James McDonald |
| 16 Mar 2019 | 3 | Phar Lap Stakes | G2 | 1500m | Rosehill | 9 | 1 | 1:32.32 | Heavy | 2.25 | 3.5 lengths | J McDonald |
| 30 Mar 2019 | 3 | Vinery Stud Stakes | G1 | 2000m | Rosehill | 11 | 1 | 2:08.99 | Heavy | 2.11 | 1.8 lengths | J McDonald |
| 13 Apr 2019 | 3 | Australian Oaks | G1 | 2400m | Randwick | 14 | 1 | 2:31.26 | Good | 2.00 | 1.8 lengths | J McDonald |
| 24 Aug 2019 | 4 | Winx Stakes | G1 | 1400m | Randwick | 10 | 9 | 1:21.05 | Good | 5.00 | (3.8 lengths) | J McDonald |
| 5 October 2019 | 4 | Hill Stakes | G2 | 2000m | Randwick | 8 | 1 | 2:05.3 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 29 February 2020 | 4 | Chipping Norton Stakes | G1 | 1600m | Randwick | 13 | 2 | 1:33.87 | Good | J McDonald | ||
| 21 March 2020 | 4 | Ranvet Stakes | G1 | 2000m | Rosehill | 7 | 2 | 2:04.90 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 28 March 2020 | 4 | Tancred Stakes | G1 | 2400m | Rosehill | 9 | 1 | 2:31.25 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 11 April 2020 | 4 | Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC) | G1 | 2000m | Randwick | 12 | 2 | 2:06.92 | Heavy | Nash Rawiller | ||
| 22 August 2020 | 5 | Winx Stakes | G1 | 1400m | Randwick | 16 | 1 | 1:23.26 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 3 October 2020 | 5 | Turnbull Stakes | G1 | 2000m | Flemington | 15 | 1 | 2:01.84 | Good | Mark Zahra | ||
| 17 October 2020 | 5 | Caulfield Cup | G1 | 2400 m | Caulfield | 18 | 1 | 2:31.97 | Soft | M Zahra | ||
| 3 November 2020 | 5 | Melbourne Cup | G1 | 3200m | Flemington | 23 | 7 | 3:17.34 | Good | M Zahra | ||
| 13 February 2021 | 5 | Apollo Stakes | G2 | 1400m | Randwick | 8 | 3 | 1:24.50 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 27 March 2021 | 6 | Ranvet Stakes | G1 | 2000m | Rosehill | 9 | 1 | 2:03.99 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 18 September 2021 | 6 | George Main Stakes | G1 | 1600m | Randwick | 9 | 1 | 1:36.07 | Soft | J McDonald | ||
| 23 October 2021 | 6 | Cox Plate | G1 | 2040m | The Valley | 8 | 3 | 2:06.97 | Soft | Damian Lane | ||
| 2 November 2021 | 6 | Melbourne Cup | G1 | 3200m | Flemington | 23 | 1 | 3:17.43 | Good | J McDonald | ||
| 26 February 2022 | 6 | Chipping Norton Stakes | G1 | 1600m | Randwick | 10 | 1 | 1:39.64 | Heavy | J McDonald | ||
| 19 March 2022 | 6 | Ranvet Stakes | G1 | 2000 m | Rosehill | 6 | 2 | 2:07.54 | Heavy | J McDonald | ||
| 9 April 2022 | 6 | Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC) | G1 | 2000m | Randwick | 9 | 5 | 2:10.87 | Heavy | J McDonald | ||
| 21 August 2022 | 7 | Prix Jean Romanet | G1 | 2000m | Deauville | 7 | 7 | 2:09.03 | Good | Frankie Dettori | ||
| 11 September 2022 | 7 | Prix Foy | G2 | 2400m | Longchamp | 6 | 3 | 2:36.46 | Soft | Christophe Soumillon | ||
| 1 October 2022 | 7 | Prix de Royallieu | G1 | 2800m | Longchamp | 10 | 7 | 3:13.76 | Soft | M Zahra | ||
| 15 October 2022 | 7 | British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes | G1 | 2406m | Ascot Racecourse | 14 | 9 | 2:33.76 | Soft | Mickael Barzalona |
Pedigree
edit| Sire Zed (NZ) 2002 |
Zabeel (NZ) 1986 |
Sir Tristram | Sir Ivor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isolt | |||
| Lady Giselle | Nureyev | ||
| Valderna | |||
| Emerald Dream (AUS) 1996 |
Danehill | Danzig | |
| Razyana | |||
| Theme Song | Sackford | ||
| Cotehele House | |||
| Dam Opulence (NZ) 2005 |
Danroad (AUS) 1999 |
Danehill | Danzig |
| Razyana | |||
| Strawberry Girl | Strawberry Road | ||
| Pay the Piper | |||
| Mulan Magic (AUS) 1999 |
King's Theatre | Sadler's Wells | |
| Regal Beauty | |||
| Chalet Girl | Imposing | ||
| Cotehele House (Family: 9-c) |
- Verry Elleegant was inbred 3 × 3 to Danehill, meaning that this stallion appears twice in the third generation of her pedigree. She was also inbred 4 × 4 to the mare Cotehele House.
Notes
edit- ^ In Australian charts, the odds show the total amount payable for each dollar wagered on a winning bet. For example, a bet of $10 at odds of 2.0 in Australia would pay $20.00. In North America and Europe, the odds reflect that a winning bet will return the original stake as well. For example, a bet of $10 at odds of 2-1 in the United States would pay $30.00. In the United States, a bet that pays a total of $20 for a $10 bet would have odds of 1-1 (even money)
References
edit- ^ "Verry Elleegant Horse Profile". racenet.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ "Broodmare gem passes away | NZ Racing News".
- ^ Ray Thomas, Verry Elleegant confirms her place among racing’s greats with an emphatic Melbourne Cup victory Archived 2021-11-05 at the Wayback Machine, news.com.au, 2 November 2021
- ^ "Verry Elleegant storms home in Phar Lap Stakes". breednet.com.au. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
- ^ "Te Rapa Results (Race 2)". www.racingandsports.com. Archived from the original on 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
- ^ "Ruakaka Results (Race 3)". www.racingandsports.com. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant caps top weekend for Bishara". skyracingworld.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "Matamata Results (Race 4)". www.racingandsports.com. Retrieved 2021-11-04.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant joins leading Victorian Stable". horsebetting.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "Kiwi connections verry happy with Oaks prospect". breednet.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "New Zealand bred Verry Elleegant sparkles in Ethereal Stakes". thoroughbrednews.com.au. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "Darren Weir charged over animal cruelty". 7news.com.au. 9 October 2019. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant wins the Australian Oaks". justhorseracing.com.au. 13 April 2019. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant back in winners list in Hill Stakes". 5 October 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "What the jockeys said after the Cox Plate". nine.com.au. 26 October 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant thrashes her rivals in G1 Tancred". punters.com.au. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant wins Winx Stakes in Waller quinella". punters.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ "George Main Stakes winner Kolding beats home three stablemates". races.com.au. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ "Turnbull Stakes Verry Elleegant leads home Chris Waller clean sweep". racenet.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant narrowly wins Caulfield Cup". thenewdaily.com.au. 17 October 2020. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant wins Chipping Norton Stakes and snares seventh Group 1 win". Racenet.com.ah. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant wins clash of the titans". Justhorseracing.com.au. 27 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
- ^ "Horse racing: NZ horse Verry Elleegant, Kiwi jockey James McDonald win Melbourne Cup". Newshub. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Cup winner sent to Europe in shock $15m split from champion trainer". 13 May 2022.
- ^ "Reigning Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant retired after rise from unrideable to champion". 20 October 2022.
- ^ Eddy, Andrew (19 February 2024). "Vale Verry Elleegant". Racing.com. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "Race 2 MAJESTIC HORSE FLOATS 1200 at WAIKATO RC on 7 JUL 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
- ^ "Race 3 NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES RACE at WHANGAREI RC on 12 AUG 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
- ^ "Race 4 NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES RACE at MATAMATA RC on 12 SEP 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
- ^ "Verry Elleegant Thoroughbred Horse Profile - Next Race, Form, Stats, News, Breeding". www.racingandsports.com. Archived from the original on 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
- ^ RACING.COM. "Verry Elleegant (NZ) - Race Horse Profile RACING.COM". RACING.COM. Archived from the original on 2021-02-25. Retrieved 2021-11-06.
- ^ "Verry Elleegant pedigree". JBIS. Archived from the original on 2021-11-02.