The Chris Waller stable has announced the sad news that Verry Elleegant has passed away.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup winner died in Ireland “due to complications giving birth to her foal”.
A statement from Chris Waller Racing reads:
“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.
“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 lover her so much.”
Part owner John O’Neill admitted it was a “horrendous” event.
“It’s horrendous, absolutely horrendous,” O’Neill said on SENTrack’s Giddy Up.
“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.”
Brae Sokolski, another part owner, was gutted after learning the tragic news.
“It’s a cliche but she really did feel like part of the family,” he said on Giddy Up.
“I was so looking forward to, not just this foal, but the generations ahead of her progeny. That legacy you get from breeding with a champion is all lost.
“Now all we have is memories of her as a racehorse.”
Gareth Hall added: “She was a special horse.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear the news this morning.”
Verry Elleegant won 11 Group 1s across her sparkling career, amounting to more than $14 million in prize money.
Verry Elleegant pic.twitter.com/OvjmBtgEct
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) February 18, 2024