Verry Elleegant was an incredible mare and a once in a lifetime champion racehorse

Verry Elleegant exhibited exceptional talent and versatility as a champion thoroughbred, capturing Group one victories across distances ranging from 1400 metres to two miles. The mares triumph in the prestigious 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup solidified her place in history as the victor of one of the world's most renowned races. Originally bred in New Zealand by Don Goodwin, Verry Elleegant received her early training under the guidance of Nick Bishara. Subsequently, she was brought to Australia as a three-year-old spring filly, with the VRC Oaks initially set as her primary objective. Her sire, Zed, (by Zabeel) was considered undesirable in the market approximately ten years ago. He was utilised for breeding purposes with Clydesdale mares on the South Island of New Zealand, with a service fee that once reached a low price of $NZ500. Verry Elleegant's dam, Opulence, (by Danroad) was acquired by her breeder for a sum of $14,000. During her early years, the young Kiwi horse portrayed challenging behaviour, leading her initial trainer, Nick Bishara based in New Zealand, to humorously describe her in 2021 as possessing a rebellious and untamed nature.

She came to us broken in and we had to get her re-broken in again,” he says.“she was quite a bitch, and just a wild child".

Bishara claimed she was an exciting prospect from the start, and he was left in awe following her maiden win at Ruakaka as a three-year-old in August 2018. Even as a young, still developing racehorse she had a massive motor and a huge amount of raw ability to call on. The future looked bright.

She was transfered to leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir for whom she had four starts, including victory in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m), and placed in the Edward Manifold (1600m) before joining the Chris Waller barn after Weir's disqualification from racing. In 2020-21 the Australian Horse of the Year achieved a remarkable record of 16 victories, including 11 at the prestigious Group one level. Notably, the horse secured the Gr.1 ATC Oaks as a three-year-old filly, followed by a triumphant first-up win in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes over 1400 metres. She further demonstrated her prowess by claiming the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes and the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup, beating the English Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck during the same preparation. Additionally, the horse achieved two victories in the Gr.1 Chipping Norton, as well as a Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes and Gr.1 George Main Stakes. The pinnacle of her illustrious career was an emphatic performance at Flemington in the Melbourne Cup, (3200m) which stands as the crowning glory in her racing history.

In this particular instance, the outcome was determined at the turn as James McDonald delivered the perfect ride and his first Melbourne Cup. Verry Elleegant exhibited a dominant performance, leaving her competitors struggling under the whip and pressure as she effortlessly assumed the lead. Approaching the 300-metre mark, her advantage was substantial. Even with a significant lead, her determination was evident as ears remained pinned back, conveying her desire for victory. Officially the margin of four lengths secured her position as the most effortless Cup winner since Protectionist in 2014. Notably, Protectionist's triumph was the most significant since Rain Lover's eight-length success in 1968.

Verry Elleegant achieved remarkable success throughout her racing career. With 16 victories out of 36 starts, she accumulated over A$14.6 million in stakes earnings for her owners. Her journey began with a promising debut at Te Rapa in New Zealand in July 2018 and she never looked back from there. From that point forward she demonstrated her versatility and incredible power by winning ten G1 races ranging from 1400 metres to 3200 metres. Verry Elleegant excelled in both handicap and WFA competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and adaptability.

Verry Ellegant moved to France in 2022 to continue her racing career, but it was a waste of talent and a gambit that was possibly never going to work. The objective was for her to participate in one of the world's most renowned races, the Prix l'Arc de Triomphe. However, her two subpar performances resulted in a controversial decision by French authorities to lower her rating, consequently excluding her from the top 20 horses eligible for the race. She was retired later that year before beginning a new career as a broodmare. She tragically passed away prematurely in-foal to superstar stallion Sea The Stars in early 2024 at the age of 8. Her record with 11 Gr.1 wins is an incredible achievement.

RACE RECORD - 36: 16-7-3

EARNINGS - A$ 14,643,244

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 (2021, 2022)

Ranvet Stakes (2021)

George Main Stakes (2021)

Melbourne Cup (2021)