Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
It’s not often buyers have an opportunity to get into an 11-time Group 1 winner, one that is about to embark on a career as a broodmare and doubtless be served by some of the world’s best stallions. But that is the case with Gavelhouse Plus’ latest offering.
The online platform will offer a 12.5 per cent share in champion mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) after part-owner, Auckland businessman Tim Barry, made the decision to part with his stake in last year’s Melbourne Cup champion and offer it to a global audience due to personal reasons.
Barry joined Verry Elleegant’s ownership group following the second win of her career, at Matamata, in September 2018. Since then, the mare has taken him on the ride of his life.
Verry Elleegant won 16 races from 1400 metres to 3200 metres, amassing prizemoney of just shy of $14.9 million, and recently campaigned in Europe.
“We could never have predicted the champion racehorse she was to become,” Barry remarked.
Barry said the highlight of Verry Elleegant’s illustrious career for him was her dominant victory in the famous two-mile handicap at Flemington under the impost of 57kg. It was the second-highest weight ever carried to Cup glory by a mare, with only the great Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}), who lumped 58kg in 2005, shouldering more.
“There are so many wonderful memories, but if there’s one that stands out it was her Melbourne Cup win,” he explained. “It was just an incredible performance to carry 57 kilos and see her cross the line so far in front of a very strong field. That will be my lasting memory.”
“There are so many wonderful memories, but if there’s one that stands out it was her Melbourne Cup win.” - Tim Barry
Haylie Martin, the sales and marketing manager for New Zealand Bloodstock’s online brand Gavelhouse.com, is understandably expecting a great deal of interest in the 7-year-old mare.
“We are honoured that Tim has put his faith in us to sell his share in this prized mare,” Martin told TDN AusNZ. “She is quite the collector’s item and we expect global interest. We have a proven track-record selling high-profile mares, having sold Te Akau Racing’s Avantage for a world record NZ$4.1 million this time last year.”
“We are honoured that Tim (Barry, vendor) has put his faith in us to sell his share in this prized mare.” - Haylie Martin
The successful bidder will join the existing ownership group, which includes prominent figures Brae Sokolski, Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neill. Sokolski and Co. are currently finalising a suitable stallion for their heroine, with Sea The Stars (Ire), the sire of Baaeed (GB) among others, the leading candidate.
Some of Verry Elleegant's (NZ) ownership group. Left to right: Mark Carter, Tim Barry, Kevin Stocker and John Carter | Image courtesy of Tim Barry
Verry Elleegant will be served to Southern Hemisphere time before returning to Australasia to foal down her second foal.
“Now a broodmare career awaits her and she’s due to arrive at Norelands Stud in Ireland, where she will let down before being covered early next year,” Barry said. “The final decision has yet to be made as to which stallion she will visit, but expert advice has Sea The Stars high on the list.”
The share in Verry Elleegant launches at 5pm (NZDT) (3pm AEDT) this coming Monday, November 14, with bidding opening at midday (NZDT) (10am AEDT) on Wednesday, November 16. The auction will close from 8pm (NZDT) (6pm AEDT) on Monday, November 21.
