Cover image courtesy of Trish Dunell
Jennifer Eccles won four times with her career highlight a victory in the G1 New Zealand Oaks and posted Group 2 successes in the Eight Carat Classic, Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic and the Lowland S.
The 2019/20 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year, she was also runner-up in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and earned more than NZ$500,000 during her 14-start career.
Trained for all her wins by Shaune Ritchie, who was joined in partnership by Colm Murray at the start of the current season, Jennifer Eccles is a unique individual as the only female Group 1 winner sired by the late Rip Van Winkle (Ire).
“We couldn’t be happier to purchase Jennifer Eccles, she has a great pedigree, is a winner at the top level and these mares are hard to get,” Kia Ora’s Bloodstock and Breeding Manager Shane Wright said.
“We couldn’t be happier to purchase Jennifer Eccles, she has a great pedigree, is a winner at the top level and these mares are hard to get.” – Shane Wright
“With things the way they are at present we couldn’t go to inspect her, but our good friend Gordon Cunningham gave her a glowing report as a type.
“She will visit one of our first-season sires this year in either Farnan or Prague, the decision will be made when she arrives here at Kia Ora and we see her in the flesh.
“She will make a great addition to the Kia Ora broodmare band and we very much look forward to selling her progeny in years to come.”
Jennifer Eccles (NZ) winning the G1 New Zealand Oaks | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
The decision to offer Jennifer Eccles for sale on Gavelhouse Plus was made by Cambridge-based bloodstock consultant Adrian Clark, who selected her as a weanling and managed her racetrack career for the 62-strong Challenge TEN Syndicate.
“The syndicate knew that she would be sold at some stage of her career, but never visualised it would be now,” he said.
“The only reason that it is now, is because she’s had a few niggles as a 4-year-old. They have only been little issues, a pulled muscle over the rump and things like that.
“I have no doubt Jennifer Eccles will make a wonderful mum and what an opportunity Kia Ora Stud will be able to afford her.
“I have no doubt Jennifer Eccles will make a wonderful mum and what an opportunity Kia Ora Stud will be able to afford her.” – Adrian Clark
“I have to be happy with the price - she cost just NZ$5000 at the Karaka May Sale, won over NZ$500,000 on the track and gave her big group of owners a ride they will cherish forever!”
Bred by Peter and Sue Westend, Jennifer Eccles is the daughter of the four-time winner Platinum Elle (NZ) (Elnadim {USA}) and the family of the multiple Group 1 winner, Champion Hong Kong Sprinter and Horse of the Year Sacred Kingdom (Encosta De Lago).
“Hannah Kettlety and Adrian Stanley at Woburn Farm did a super job presenting her for sale over recent weeks and while we’re adapting and getting used to new ways of doing business, this is a niche that will expand in the future,” said gavelhouse.com General Manager Haylie Martin.
