Leicester stable caps off brilliant breeding bounty in Singapore
BREEDER Marie Leicester has capped off an unprecedented professional year after Be Bee took out the S$325,000 Singapore Golden Horseshoe at Kranji on Friday.
Leicester also bred outstanding filly Melody Belle, who went on to win the Group One Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, Group Two BRC Sire’s Produce Stakes and the Listed Karaka Million in its two-year-old season.
The breeder said she is thrilled to have produced a pair of juveniles of their stature.
“I am absolutely over the moon to have bred two-year-olds of their quality,” Leicester said.
“It has just been an amazing season for me.”
Leicester sold Be Bee at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling sale to Glen Harvey Bloodstock for $220,000.
The horse was later placed in the Ready to Run sale where Singapore trainer Shane Baertschiger went to $250,000 to secure the Showcasing gelding.
Meanwhile, Melody Belle was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis from the Premier Sale at Karaka for $57,500.
Leicester is currently holidaying in England and said she talked with Haunui Farm managing director Mark Chitty shortly after Be Bee’s win.
“He was absolutely rapt for me. I have about ten mares which I keep at Haunui. I’ve had horses there since 1985, so it’s been a long association.”
Chitty said it was great to see a long-time client in Leicester enjoying such a phenomenal season, capped off by Be Bee’s win on Friday.
“Marie’s mother was a client of Dad’s originally, she’s continued on and had a great season with a couple of horses she has bred, which has been fantastic.
“Be Bee had only the one run going into the race and was on a short preparation. He is a horse with a great deal of ability which he showed on Friday night.”
Chitty believes the young Showcasing gelding has a bright future ahead of him.
“This horse looks like it has it all before him. Shane Baertschiger is adamant a trip a bit further than 1200m will be right up his alley,” he said.
“He seems to have relaxed very well in the running. He didn’t need to lead like he did in his first start.
“It was good to see he could take the pressure as well, that’s the most exciting thing.”
Be Bee’s win adds to the success Showcasing is having in Singapore. He has a great strike rate of 87.5 per cent winners to runners and more than $2.2 million in prize money.
Chitty said it benefits racing in New Zealand greatly to have trainers and breeders experiencing success outside of the country.
“To have a horse that is performing in a major export market is very rewarding,” he said.
“People need the opportunities for outlets outside of New Zealand and he’s just proving that his horses are very adaptable.”