Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}–Opulence {NZ}, by Danroad {Aus}), the darling of Australian racing with 11 top-flight successes under her belt in that jurisdiction, has been retired following her run in the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares S. at Ascot on British Champions Day.
The 7-year-old won all of her Group 1 races for Chris Waller before being transferred to Francis-Henri Graffard this summer in preparation for an audacious European campaign, which was focused around the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Last year's G1 Melbourne Cup winner did not sparkle in the Northern Hemisphere, however. She failed to win on her first two starts and subsequently missed the cut for the Arc.
Instead, she ran in the G1 Prix de Royallieu on the same weekend at ParisLongchamp, finishing seventh. Verry Elleegant made her final appearance on the track with a ninth-place finish behind Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) on Champions Day.
A statement from her owners, Jamara Bloodstock Ltd, said, “Verry Elleegant will rightfully take her place among the pantheon of Australia's champion racehorses, with a record that compares favourably with any stayer of the modern era.
“Throughout her career, she demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency at the highest-level winning Group 1s as a 3-year-old filly through to a 6-year-old mare, at 1400m through to 3200m.
“She accumulated a staggering 11 Group 1 victories (equal 12th all time in Australia) and almost A$15 million in prizemoney (fourth all-time in Australia).
“Her lasting legacy won't be measured by her prize-money or Group 1 tally but more so by the joy and happiness she brought her legion of fans. Her indomitable will to win inspired us all.
“There were so many individuals that played a massive role in her success but we would like to particularly thank Chris Waller and his entire team, including track rider Chris Harwood and groom Rocky Mangat, jockey James McDonald and Francis Graffard and his stable.
“Rest assured though, the Verry Elleegant story is far from over and we now look forward to the next chapter in her remarkable story, her life as a mum. The plan is to keep her in the pristine fields of France until she can be served by a leading European stallion in Northern Hemisphere time next year. We wish to thank everyone for their love and support over the years.”
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