Trainerangry VerryElleegant willmissArc

Published date30 September 2022
Publication titleSports Tab
The winner of last year’s Melbourne Cup and victorious at the highest level no fewer than 11 times in Australia, the mare travelled to Europe and joined Graffard earlier this year

She disappointed on her French debut in the Prix Jean Romanet, finishing last of seven, and despite showing significant improvement to run third in the Prix Foy in her second start, the French handicapper dropped her rating to 113, placing her 22nd in the order of entry.

After French racing’s ruling body announced a maximum of 20 runners would be allowed to go to post, connections of Verry Elleegant had to decide whether to supplement her for the Arc yesterday at a cost of €120,000 ($NZ205,000).

And while that sum would have been refunded had she failed to make the final field at the declaration stage today, the issue was further complicated by the fact declarations for her other weekend option, Sunday’s Prix de Royallieu, also closed yesterday.

As French rules state horses cannot be declared for two races, connections have opted to go for the race in which she is guaranteed a starting berth, leaving Graffard understandably frustrated.

‘‘I’m very, very upset about the French authorities and French handicapper and my racing country in general,’’...

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