Champion mare Verry Elleegant has been retired after a decorated career which featured 11 Group 1 victories, owners have confirmed.
The seven-year-old Kiwi bred stayer recorded the biggest victory of her career almost 12 months ago when she won the Melbourne Cup.
Verry Elleegant has been based in France this preparation after owners had decided to target her at one of Europe's biggest races, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
While things didn't quite work out for Verry Elleegant overseas, her career in Australia places her among the modern-day greats.
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Owners released a statement on Thursday to confirm the news of her retirement after a career which netted nearly $15 million in prizemoney.
Update from the owners 🇳🇿🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/tciuUcQAvf
— Verry Elleegant (@VerryElleegant) October 20, 2022
"Along the journey there were so many individuals that played a massive role in her success, but we would like to particularly thank Chris Waller and his entire team including track rider Chris Harwood and strapper Rocky Mangat, jockey James McDonald and Francis Graffard and his stable for all their efforts in her European campaign," the statement read.
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Owners also confirmed Verry Elleegant's next move - she'll be introduced to a dreamy European and begin her next chapter as a broodmare.
"Rest assured though the Verry Elleegant story is far from over and we now look forward to the next chapter in her remarkable story, her life as a mum!" it continued.
"The plan is to keep her in the pristine fields of France until she can be served by a leading European stallion in Northern Hemisphere time next year."
Verry Elleegant retires with a record of 16 wins from 40 starts, including Melbourne and Caulfield Cup victories.
Her retirement follows hot on the heels of former sparring partner Addeybb, whose connections announced will be finishing up earlier this week.
