New Zealand-bred mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed) has been crowned Victorian Racehorse of the Year after her exploits in the Australian state last season.
The Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) champion, who also won the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) in Melbourne last spring, was voted the best performed horse on Victorian tracks by a panel that includes members of Victoria’s racing administration and media.
The daughter of Zed polled 100 votes to finish well clear of Arcadia Queen (53), Russian Camelot (15) and Twilight Payment (15).
“It’s very, very rewarding,” breeder and part-owner Don Goodwin said of the accolade.
“So many people have looked after her and she’s been such hard work to get her racing manners right, but often that’s the way with these precocious mares.
“She is something else.”
Last season Verry Elleegant was also the winner of the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 Chipping North Stakes (1600m), and Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in Sydney.
Verry Elleegant was initially trained in New Zealand by part-owner Nicholas Bishara for whom she won two of her three starts, and placed in the other.
It continued expat New Zealand trainer Chris Waller’s golden run in the coveted award category, with the Sydney-based trainer having prepared the last five winners of the award.
Verry Elleegant is likely to start a warm favourite in Saturday’s Gr.1 George Main Stakes (1600m).
