breednet.com.au

Talented Fillies Clash in NZB Ethereal Stakes

Media Release - Thursday October 17

A talented line-up of contenders for next month’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) will clash in Saturday’s A$200,000 Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes (2000m) – a race that has special meaning to its sponsors.

Since 2011, the three-year-old fillies’ feature has carried the name of the legendary Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm).

Verry Elleegant won the Ethereal Stakes in 2018 - Image Grant Courtney

Verry Elleegant won the Ethereal Stakes in 2018 - Image Grant Courtney

Bred and raced by New Zealand Bloodstock principal Sir Peter Vela in partnership with his late brother Philip, Ethereal won more than $4.7 million during a career that featured four Group 1 victories – the Queensland Oaks (2400m), Caulfield Cup (2400m), Melbourne Cup (3200m) and BMW (2400m).

She won the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double in the spring of 2001, and she is still the most recent of 11 horses in history to win both famous races in the same year.

New Zealand Bloodstock is proud to sponsor the Ethereal Stakes, which has unveiled some exciting talent in recent seasons.

The 2014 winner Set Square (Reset) and 2017 winner Pinot (Pierro) each went on to win the VRC Oaks, while last year’s winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) won the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and Australian Oaks (2400m) the following autumn. The runner-up in last year’s race was Aristia (Lonhro), who won the VRC Oaks.

Advertisement

There was a special result in 2016 when Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi), a granddaughter of Ethereal, won the race. She later placed in the VRC Oaks.

The 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes has attracted a fascinating field of 15 fillies, all looking to establish themselves as leading chances for the Oaks at Flemington on November 7.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes will be run as Race 6 on Saturday with a start time of 3:10pm (5:10pm NZT).

Advertisment
More Reading...
Brighthill Farm Buoyant Ahead of Weanling Sale
NZB’s National Weanling Sale has been a popular stage for boutique vendors Brighthill Farm, who produced the top-priced lot at last year’s Sale when a filly by Satono Aladdin was knocked down to Gary Harding for $180,000.
Debut Zoustar 2YO Winner Brings Catalogue Update
Bjorn Baker, Rachel King and Zoustar combined to win the 2YO fillies maiden at Canterbury on Monday with well bred Zoustar filly Pillow Fight, who has a half-sister to be offered at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale on Friday.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 9
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 8
Here is the full list of 70 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 Group I Belmont Stakes - Godolphin Celebrate Victory in Triple Crown Finale
Back in May, Godolphin had a rare magical 48 hours when they won the Group I Newmarket 1000 and 2000 Guineas, plus the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks with all four of those star three year-olds scheduled to race over the last 48 hours – so how did they fare?
G1 Pedigree Watch – Blueblood 3YOs Win Queensland Classics
A funny thing happened at Eagle Farm on Saturday when both the Group I BRC Queensland Derby (2400m) and Oaks (2200m) were won by 20-1 shots that had never won a stakes race, but they had two interesting things in common and that was very famous families and the Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral!
$1.4million Favourite Rolled, But Winner Might be Special
The two year-old colts maiden at Canterbury on Monday was a must watch race with $1.4million Wootton Bassett (GB) colt Central Coast expected to be winning on debut, but the unpredictable nature of racing was seen to full effect when his stablemate Autumn Boy went off script to take the victory at 50-1.
Third Generation Epsom Derby Hero for Coolmore
The Group I Epsom Derby (1m4f) was the big highlight overnight in the UK and the scratching of Godolphin owned favourite Ruling Court due to track condition meant it was an open affair with the second string horse from Ballydoyle in Lambourn coming up trumps and also bringing joy for the Aussie offshoot of his family.
Vale bloodstock agent Michael Wallace
The New Zealand and international thoroughbred industries are mourning the loss of Michael Wallace, who passed away in the United States on Saturday night.
Levendi Thriving at Magnum Park in Tasmania
Magnum Park is proud to announce that their well credentialled young stallion Levendi will stand at the Old Beach property this spring.