Melody Belle offer rejected

WELLINGTON: Champion New Zealand mare Melody Belle has been the subject of a significant overseas offer to purchase her as a broodmare, but connections of the sixtime group 1 winner have rejected it.

‘‘The offer amount was $NZ3.25 million,’’ Fortuna Syndications director John Galvin said.

However, after consultation between Galvin and syndicate members, the offer was declined.

‘‘Clearly this was a very significant offer for our wonderful racemare, presented by a genuine and well regarded Australianbased breeding operation,’’ Galvin said.

‘‘Accordingly, the offer was put in front of the 34 syndicate members for consideration — the outcome was that 100% of the membership chose to decline the offer.

‘‘Members felt very strongly that Melody Belle had yet to reach her potential as a racehorse and should be allowed to race on under the current ownership until such time as she was ready to retire from racing.

‘‘Members also expressed the view that she was a wellloved racehorse by the New Zealand racing public and in what are difficult times for New Zealand racing, any future success on the race track would boost the profile and spirits of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.

‘‘As syndicate manager, I was humbled by this response from our members and very pleased that she will continue to grace race tracks here in New Zealand and Australia.’’

Melody Belle has won five of her group 1 races this season.

The Jamie Richardstrained mare has won 11 of her 20 starts and will be set for a tilt at the Cox Plate (2040m) when she returns for her 5yrold season. — NZ Racing Desk