The window is closing to secure one of the most exciting outcross opportunities of the season, with bidding on high-class Group One winner Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock) set to close from 7PM (NZT) tonight on Gavelhouse Plus.
“We had not been entirely happy with Entriviere following her resuming run and a nuclear bone scan has revealed fetlock issues that would see her sidelined from racing for some time,” Te Akau principal David Ellis said.
“Even with this approach, there would be an element of risk with a return to racing, and that is untenable to Te Akau and to her owners – her well-being is our number-one priority.
“She is a very valuable mare, the winner of Group races on both sides of the Tasman, and being free of Danehill, I am certain she will be a highly attractive and sought-after broodmare proposition.
“With the southern breeding season having commenced on 1 September, we expect a high degree of interest from international breeders and studs.”
Bred by Kevin and Kathleen Gray and purchased privately by Ellis, Entriviere had 16 starts for seven wins, five placings and more than $725,000 in stakes.
She was a brilliant winner of the Group One Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, having earlier captured the Group Two Sheraco Stakes (1200m) in Australia during the spring, along with the Group Three Concorde Handicap (1200m) and King's Plate (1200m) the previous season.
Entriviere was also a Group One placegetter in the BCD Group Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa, and from a wide draw in the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) in Brisbane.
“I clearly remember when she burst on to the scene on Karaka Million night in the Concorde,” Ellis said. “She really announced her arrival in style, and what an impact she has made in the 19 months since – her owners just love her, they’ve had a terrific journey with her.”
The majority of Entriviere's career was skilfully overseen by champion trainer Jamie Richards. When he relinquished his role at Te Akau Racing earlier this year ahead of a move to Hong Kong, Mark Walker replaced him at the helm.
“It’s a shame that her career has come to an end, but we are doing the right thing by her,” Walker said. “She’ll make a lovely broodmare.
“She’s done us proud over the last couple of years, and there isn’t a whole lot more she could have done. It’s just a bit of a shame she drew so wide when she placed in the Doomben 10,000. That was a huge performance under the circumstances.”
Bidding will end on Gavelhouse Plus from 7pm (NZT) on Wednesday 7 September. Buyers who have not yet used the site are encouraged to register and create their profiles for approval well in advance.
