In this series TDN AusNZ will take a look at Group 1 runners before they were successful on the racetrack; speaking to breeders, breakers and trainers on their formative years. Today, we take a look at Grangewilliam-raised, 10-time Group 1-winning, top-rated mare of the year Verry Elleegant.
Verry Elleegant (NZ)
Zed (NZ) x Opulence (NZ) (Danroad)
Winner - G1 Melbourne Cup 3200m
Winner - G1 George Main S. 1600m
Winner - G1 Ranvet S. 2000m
Winner - G1 Chipping Norton S. 1600m
Winner - G1 Caulfield Cup 2400m
Winner - G1 Turnbull S. 2000m
Winner - G1 Winx S. 1400m
Winner - G1 Tancred S. 2400m
Winner - G1 Australian Oaks 2400m
Winner - G1 Vinery Stud S. 2000m
Verry Elleegant (NZ), winner of the 2021 G1 Melbourne Cup
The stud
TDN AusNZ: What was Verry Elleegant like as a foal?
Mark Corcoran: I made a note when we handled Verry Elleegant in January 2016 as a foal that she was correct and a 'good sort'.
TDN AusNZ: This was Opulence's fifth foal, what was the foaling down like?
MC: I definitely can’t remember that particular foaling, but my records say she foaled at 3.20am on October 12, 2015, with a normal foaling.
Mark and Jane Corcoran | Image courtesy of Grangewilliam Stud
TDN AusNZ: What was Verry Elleegant like as a weanling, did she have any particular mannerisms or traits?
MC: Verry Elleegant was fairly plain, she was a reasonably tough and spirited filly to handle and do her feet.
TDN AusNZ: Did she have any paddock mates growing up?
MC: Verry Elleegant was one of a mob of around 10 weanlings in a paddock. We run our weanlings in big paddocks where they have plenty of room to run around and develop naturally. You certainly would not have picked her out of the mob and said this one looks like a champion.
TDN AusNZ: Could you foresee her success early on?
MC: No, she was just another filly in the paddock. It is definitely what she has that can’t be seen that counts…
Verry Elleegant (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
TDN AusNZ: What do you think of the horse she has become?
MC: Verry Elleegant’s original trainer, Nick Bishara, informed her breeder Don Goodwin as a 2-year-old he thought she was something special, but only in your wildest dreams would you believe she could go on to be named the best mare in the world. Despite her awkward race manners she always gives her best and runs amazing sectionals to finish off every race.
TDN AusNZ: Verry Elleegant is obviously a fantastic flag bearer for Grangewilliam Stud, what does a horse like her mean to the stud?
MC: It is so exciting for all involved to follow such a wonderful mare. Grangewilliam Stud is a fantastic property with outstanding soil and now has a very proud record of raising three Caulfield Cup winners and two Melbourne Cup winners. It is really satisfying to see such a wonderful mare with the 'GW' brand flying the flag for our farm.
Don Goodwin, Verry Elleegant's (NZ) breeder and owner | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk
TDN AusNZ: What were your first thoughts when she was announced as the highest-rated mare in the world?
MC: It is such a huge accolade, fancy that, coming off our little old farm, but I believe she was thoroughly deserving of it and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for an exciting autumn campaign.
TDN AusNZ: How do you think she will perform in the All-Star Mile if she secures a spot?
MC: I would say the mile is short of her best distance but we know she will be giving it everything at the finish as she always does. She is just so versatile having won Group 1s from 1400 metres to 3200 metres.
The trackwork rider
TDN AusNZ: When did Verry Elleegant arrive in your care and what were your first impressions of her?
Chris Harwood: Verry Elleegant (VE) arrived in our care 2019 just in time for the Sydney autumn carnival. I remember thinking she looks a real handful, I wonder which poor bugger will get stuck with her, lol.. Straight away she proved to be the real deal though, winning a nice lead-up race then landing a couple of the all important Group 1s!
TDN AusNZ: When did you see something special in Verry Elleegant?
CH: She’s obviously always looked like potentially being a good horse, we put a lot of work into her leading into the Oaks trying to teach her to settle and when J Mac was able to get her into a nice rhythm, and put them away in the style she did, for me that was when I thought she could be something special this one.
Chris Harwood after Verry Elleegant (NZ) won her ninth Group 1 | Image courtesy of Chris Waller Racing
TDN AusNZ: Can you describe her personality?
CH: In and around the stables she’s actually quite placid, Marley and Rocky look after her, they know the routine and do a great job in keeping her happy. Riding her has become much easier as she's matured with age but she’s certainly a horse you can’t drop your guard on though as every now and again (usually just before the big races) she can have a bad day and I’ll find myself grabbing hold and hanging on for dear life!!
TDN AusNZ: What has been her career highlight to date?
CH: Her highlight would obviously be winning the Melbourne Cup, everything just seemed to fall into place on the day it was like it was just meant to be and she definitely deserved to win one! A close second would have to be when she got the better of Addeybb, she’d been beaten fair and square twice before and there was big talk that she just wasn’t good enough, so to finally come out on top that day was a very proud moment! Although he did get us back again because he’s also a Champion.
TDN AusNZ: What do you think is a key attribute of Verry Elleegant's that has contributed to her success?
CH: I’ve always said that she always seemed to be fit. Even when she’s had a good spell she’ll come in, gallop and not even blow. She’s obviously got an amazing pair of lungs, put that with her nice, fluent action and the will to win, ticks most boxes in what it takes to be a great.
TDN AusNZ: What were your first thoughts when she was announced as the highest-rated mare in the world?
CH: As good as she is and achieved what she has, when the announcement came through that she was ranked the best mare in the world it was still a surprise as you never think it can happen. I was obviously incredibly proud, pinched myself again and thanked VE for taking us all on this incredible ride!