Share in Australia's 'darling' super mare Verry Elleegant to be offered

A rare chance to own a share in Australia's "darling of the turf" Verry Elleegant will be offered via an online auction at Gavelhouse later this month.

With a 2.5 per cent share in Flightline knocked down for an astonishing $4.6 million (£4.016m) in a virtual auction at Keeneland, Verry Elleegant is the latest star to be offered under the hammer before embarking on her second career.

The news was revealed by New Zealand Bloodstock's managing director Andrew Seabrook, who confirmed a 12.5 per cent share in the 11-time Group 1 winner was poised to hit the market.

The share to be offered belongs to Auckland-based businessman Tim Barry, who told Gavelhouse that Verry Elleegant had given him some unbelievable memories on the racetrack since he bought into her after her second New Zealand win in 2018.

"We could never have predicted the champion racehorse she was to become," he said.

"There are so many wonderful memories, but if there's one that stands out it was her Melbourne Cup win.

"It was just an incredible performance to carry 57 kilos [9st] and see her cross the line so far in front of a very strong field; that will be my lasting memory."

The seven-year-old, who was retired from racing in October after an unsuccessful four-race stint in Europe, should command a significant share fee, although the figures will be unlikely to trouble the dizzying heights that Flightline reached in Keeneland this week.

The daughter of Zed won 14 of her 39 stakes races and amassed close to A$15 million [£8.15m] in prize-money in a career that produced top-level wins in the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and ATC Oaks, among many of Australia’s other premier middle-distance contests.

According to Racing.com the mare is likely to produce her first foal in Europe, with connections mooting the idea of sending her to champion racehorse-turned-Gilltown Stud sire Sea The Stars in 2023.

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