Melody Belle to Be Sold at MM National Sale

Champion racehorse Melody Belle (Commands-Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) will become the most decorated racemare to be offered at public auction when the Fortuna-raced 14-time Group 1 winner goes under the hammer at May's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Fortuna Director John Galvin said he would have mixed emotions when she is offered at auction on Day One of the National Broodmare Sale, May 25. "The decision was made some time ago that 2021 would be her last racing season and our immediate focus has been on her racing campaign," Galvin noted. "Recently the decision had to be made how and where we would sell her and we have decided the Gold Coast was the best option. One of the real keys to her success is her soundness; she's never had an issue physically and that has seen her continue racing at the highest level as a two, three, four, five and now six-year-old." A winner from 1100m to 2000m, with the prospect of stretching that to 2400m, last Saturday week Melody Belle became the most successful Group 1 racehorse in New Zealand racing history when she won the Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie. The final two runs for Melody Belle before the National Sale could be the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast over 1800 metres which Galvin points out is the perfect lead in for the Group One Doomben Cup on May 22. Galvin praised trainer Jamie Richards and the Te Akau Racing team, headed by her buyer David Ellis, for their incredible efforts in turning their star galloper into the champion she has become. Melody Belle is a New Zealand Bloodstock graduate, having been sold as a yearling by Haunui Farm for $57,500 at the 2017 National Yearling Sales Series (NYSS).

Melody Belle won 14 Group 1 races (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)