SOUTH AFRICAN STAR TO AUSTRALIA

Dual Paddock Stakes winner Queen Supreme (Exceed And Excel) proved one of the star lots at Tuesday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

The chestnut, who ended her career with an unplaced effort in the G1 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, was knocked down to Australia’s Kia Ora Stud (breeders of, among others, former South African Horse Of The Year Igugu) for $900 000 (or the equivalent of R13.5 million) at Tuesday’s auction.

“We’re thrilled to have secured Group 1 winner, Queen Supreme. She was a standout for us in the catalogue and given current market values around the world we are very happy with how she was bought,” enthused Kia Ora Stud’s Bloodstock & Breeding Manager Shane Wright.

“She has the Exceed and Excel factor along with a beautiful international pedigree and black type strength throughout every dam from all over the world not to mention that illustrious Group 1 beside her name.”

Queen Supreme, who was consigned to the November Sale by Bluewater Sales, As Agent, is a three-parts sister to Listed Heatherlie Stakes winner Call Me Handsome (Kodiac) and half-sister to Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes hero Be Ready.

Her Gone West sired dam Call Later is a half-sister to triple G1 winner and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Ventura-the dam of G3 Prix de Lieurey winner Fount.

Call Later’s third dam is G1 Irish 1000 Guineas/G1 Champion Stakes queen Cairn Rouge.

“She was inspected by one of the best judges in the world and his first comment was, “her names suits”, Queen Supreme.”

“Kia Ora has had good success in the past purchasing out of America with the dam of recent Group 1 winner Wild Ruler as a current example and we feel this mare will fit right into our broodmare band.  We look forward to her visiting one of our stallions next season.”

The Irish bred won seven of 14 starts in South Africa (she was placed in five others), including back to back runnings of the G1 Cartier Paddock Stakes.

Queen Supreme also captured the 2019 G3 Yellowwood Handicap, before finishing fourth, beaten less than two lengths in that year’s G1 Gauteng Chris Gerber Summer Cup.

Unfortunately, she failed to make any impact on her two starts outside of South Africa, and retires having won seven of her 16 starts.

Race Image: Candiese Lenferna Photography.