Melbourne Cup winning horse Verry Elleegant has died giving birth, her owners announced on Monday.
She died via complications during birth in France, where she had been sent to stud after finishing an incredible career on the turf in Australia. The foal also died.
The champion mare’s career was highlighted by the 2021 Flemington feature, and she won 16 of 42 starts in total.
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Verry Elleegant was also the 2020-21 Australian horse of the year. She was trained by Chris Waller out of Sydney, and ridden to victory by James McDonald in the 2021 Cup.
“It is incredibly sad that we pass on the news on behalf of the ownership group that Verry Elleegant has passed away due to complications giving birth to her foal,” Chris Waller Racing announced on Monday.
“The news is just filtering through to stable staff now and other close connections who are coming to terms with this tragic news.
“She was in fantastic hands on a farm who did all they could for her, and we would like to thank them for their efforts which we will be forever grateful for.
“We all saw the courage she had on the racetrack over many seasons, and she will never be forgotten by those close to her as well as the wider racing public who followed her career and loved her so much.”
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Verry Elleegant’s 16 victories included 11 Group 1 races – the highest standard of competition possible for the sport.
All up her prize money totalled just shy of $15 million.
Aside from the Melbourne Cup she won Victoria’s other top spring event, the Caulfield Cup, in 2020.
Part owner John O’Neill spoke on behalf of connections to SEN radio.
“It’s horrendous, absolutely horrendous,” O’Neill said.
“She gave us the most joy, from a racing aspect, of all time.
“She’s died giving birth. They were trying to save her but that hasn’t worked out. Unfortunately the foal has passed away too.”
Champion trainer Wayne Hawkes also paid tribute to the great mare.
“You don’t realise how good these horses are until you look back on what they’ve done,” he told SEN.
“You’re up with the great names when you’re winning double digit Group 1s.”