 Ethereal, the queen of the Melbourne Spring
Carnival, will not be heading on an international campaign and will be retired to stud.Part owners Peter and Philip Vela made the decision not to risk the
Rhythm mare and she will join their imposing broodmare band at Pencarrow Stud in New
Zealand.
Trainer Sheila Laxon was hoping the Velas may allow her and
their champion mare to contest Group One features in England and France after their
barnstorming win in last Saturday's The BMW Stakes at Rosehill.
 Ethereal shot to prominence just under a year ago
when she produced an astonishing finish to tip out a classy field in the Group One
Queensland Oaks.
Given time to focus on the spring she returned in
sensational form when she captured the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double last spring.
She still has one more race to run - the race to become
Australia's Horse of the Year.
Ethereal is currently in a neck and neck battle with
Perth's champion Cox Plate winner Northerly for Australasia's top honour for a
thoroughbred racehorse.
PICS - Quentin
Lang. |
