Verry Elleegant to Join Graffard for European Campaign

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Verry Elleegant to Join Graffard for European Campaign
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Photo: Mark Gatt
Verry Elleegant after her 2021 Melbourne Cup victory at Flemington Racecourse

Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1) winner Verry Elleegant will join Francis Graffard in France with connections planning an ambitious European campaign which could include running in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

The 6-year-old landed 11 Australian group 1s, including the 2020 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (G1), and won more than £8 million (US$6,806,012) in prize money for Chris Waller, who described training the star mare as an "honor" on May 12. 

In a statement released by the trainer, Verry Elleegant's ownership group said: "Being part of a champion racehorse is not just an enormous privilege but also a huge responsibility.

"We take this seriously and in the last couple of weeks have given further thought to what constitutes the right plan for our beautiful mare. We know she's a world-class stayer but we expect her to be weighted out of the Cups and there are limited options for her domestically.

"After much deliberation, we came to the realization that if we want to campaign her in Europe, we need to do it properly and send her to be trained and prepared in the northern hemisphere."

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Transport arrangements for the New Zealand-bred mare have not been finalized, but she is expected to move to France in the coming weeks, and her owners added: "Bringing her to Europe early opens up a number of new possibilities, one of which is running in the Arc, however, we'll just keep an open mind on her program until she's deeper in her preparation with Francis.

"We're incredibly excited about the journey ahead and showcasing her on the world stage. We know win, lose, or draw she'll do us, Australia, and of course New Zealand proud."

Graffard, who has won nine top-level races, added: "I'm conscious I'll be standing on the shoulders of a giant taking Verry Elleegant on from Chris Waller, who has done an impeccable job with her. 

"Chantilly is the most beautiful place in the world to train racehorses and this is a wonderful opportunity for Australian fans to discover this jewel."

Verry Elleegant was not among the entries for the Arc, released Wednesday, and would need to be supplemented for €120,000.

The Zed mare currently sits on a record of 16-8-3 in 38 efforts over the past five years with earnings of $10,732,578 for the partnership of owners in Jomara Bloodstock, Ellee Syndicate, and Balmerino Racing. She was awarded 2021 Australian Horse of the Year, champion turf female, and champion stayer honors.