Verry Elleegant Passes Away Due to Foaling Complications

Trainer Chris Waller has expressed his condolences following the passing of Australian star Verry Elleegant due to complications during foaling.

Waller, who guided the New Zealand-bred mare through much of her illustrious career, oversaw her triumph in 11 Group One races, including the prestigious 2020 Caulfield Cup and the 2021 Melbourne Cup.

After her victory at Flemington, Verry Elleegant ventured to Europe in the summer of 2022, where she joined trainer Francis-Henri Graffard in France. During her tenure under Graffard, she made four starts, with her standout performance being a third-place finish in the Prix Foy. Her European campaign concluded with an unplaced effort on Champions Day at Ascot in October 2022.

Subsequently, the eight-year-old remained in Europe following her retirement and was bred with Sea The Stars last year.

In a statement shared on social media, Waller conveyed the heartbreaking news on behalf of Verry Elleegant's ownership group, acknowledging her passing due to complications during foaling. He praised the farm staff for their dedicated efforts to care for her.

Verry Elleegant's part-owner, Brae Sokolski, revealed that the mare was three weeks overdue and tragically could not be saved after a difficult birth. Sokolski, deeply affected by the loss, highlighted the profound impact of her passing on those closely connected with her, including Waller and jockey James McDonald.

The Australian Turf Club chose to honour Verry Elleegant's legacy by renaming the Group One Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick as the Verry Elleegant Stakes, commemorating her triumphs in the race. Sokolski expressed gratitude towards the ATC for bestowing this recognition, ensuring that her memory lives on in the racing world.