G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas hero Xtravagant (NZ) (Pentire {GB}–Axiom {NZ}, by Zabeel {NZ}) has been retired to Newhaven Park Stud, New South Wales, the stud announced Thursday. The Te Akau colourbearer, New Zealand champion 3-year-old colt in 2016, also captured the G1 NRM Sprint S. and the G3 Cambridge Breeders S., while winning half of his 12 starts for a record of 12-6-0-1 and earnings of $321,246.
“He was a breathtaking racehorse with phenomenal speed,” said Newhaven Park's John Kelly. “His eight-length win as a 2-year-old was incredible, then his record victories in the Guineas and the Waikato Sprint against older horses were unbelievable. You don't often see horses win by eight and nine lengths in Group 1 company, which he did.”
“[Co-trainer] Stephen [Autridge] and I were so lucky to train such a gifted and talented horse, he was incredibly fast, had a wonderful turn of foot and everything you look for in a racehorse,” said co-trainer Jamie Richards. “To be involved in such a horse this early in my career was a privilege and we wish the team at Newhaven all the very best with a truly wonderful racehorse.”
Added Te Akau's David Ellis, who selected Xtravagant out of the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale for NZ$375,000, “Xtravagant is certainly one of the most exciting 3-year-olds that Te Akau has had in the last 35 years. He is the highest rated 3-year-old in New Zealand since Bonecrusher, winning two Group 1 races by a combined margin of 16 1/2 lengths. As a 3-year-old he raced in August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April and won his last start for the season in the G3 Cambridge Breeders S. in the fastest time since we went from furlongs to meters. He is a wonderful example of equine excellence, has a wonderful temperament and I will be sending mares of my own to Australia to mate with him.”
Xtravagant's dam is a daughter of MGSW Arletty (Centaine {Aus}), herself a full-sister to Australian GSW Firetaine (NZ) and to the SP dam of New Zealand champion 3-year-old filly Legs (NZ) (Pins {Aus}). Also a full-brother to GSW & MG1SP He's Remarkable (NZ), who was runner-up in the 2010 New Zealand 2000 Guineas as well as two other Group 1s, the imposing dark bay will stand his first season for A$15,000 in 2017.
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