Ardmore Lodge-trainer Nick Bishara has confirmed that his talented three-year-old filly Verry Elleegant has been sold to a Trans-Tasman syndicate and will do her future racing in Australia.
"She has
been sold and will be joining Darren Weir," Bishara said. "She leaves on
Wednesday.
"Darren Weir's clients have taken fifty per cent, Jomara Bloodstock have taken 25 per cent and the original ownership group have retained 25 per cent."
The daughter of Zed has raced on just three occasions, catching the eye with a fast-closing second on debut behind subsequent stakes winner Cyber Attack, before effortless victories at Ruakaka and Matamata.
"She's the best I've had by a long way," Bishara said.
"The fact that she is still so raw and does a lot wrong and still wins her races easily, the upside to her is enormous.
"She is three and all of the three-year-old Classics are in front of her.
"She's very exciting and it's good that she is going to get an opportunity to race for some great prizemoney and we're still part of it.
"There is nothing wrong with hopping on a plane and going to Melbourne for Cup week."
Bishara was delighted that the original ownership syndicate including himself would be able to continue to enjoy the ride, while fellow Kiwis Mark and John Carter and their sister Rachel, who race under the Jomara Bloodstock banner would also be involved.
"We sat here at Christmas last year and I was struggling to syndicate her amongst my owners or friends," Bishara said.
"You could have sold her a hundred times over now.
"It's been intense pressure. There was an offer there wanting us to scratch the horse at 7am on race morning before she won at Matamata, but there was no signed agreement.
"We took a huge gamble racing her, but the only thing I could see beating her was bad luck and she just did it easily.
"The interest has been unbelievable. I had my first decent night's sleep in about six weeks last night.
"Half our trainers wouldn't be here if it wasn't for being able to trade a horse to Australia or Hong Kong or other Asian markets. It is just part of what every trainer here has to do.
"We are very lucky that we breed good horses still and compete in races like Derbys and Oaks, where we've got a pretty good record."
Verry Elleegant was a $14 chance to win the Gr.1 Gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and is rated a $26 prospect to win the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m). – NZ Racing Desk
