Racing
Legarto bound for the Gold Coast
Four-time Group 1 winner confirmed for National Broodmare Sale
This year's National Broodmare Sale has landed its first bjg-ticket item with confirmation that star Kiwi mare Legarto would be offered at the Magic Millions offering on the Gold Coast in May.
The daughter of Proisir, who last Saturday's registered a fourth career Group 1 win in the Herbie Dyke Stakes in New Zealand, will be offered as part of the Attunga Stud draft.
A winner of 11 of her 23 starts, Legarto has won at the highest level on both sides of the Tasman, having won the Australian Guineas in 2023.Legarto
During the same season she also captured the Group 1 NZ Thousand Guineas, Group 2 Eight Carat Classic and Group 3 Soliloquy Stakes.
Her win in Saturday's Herbie Dyke Stakes made it two victories in the Group 1 following her success in the same race two years ago.
Legarto will have another run at the elite level in New Zealand before connections decide if a possible Australian target is added before she heads to auction.
"We put her out in the paddock after getting home from the races, but it took a while to catch her when I went out to put her cover on later on," co-trainer Ken Kelso reported this week.
"That tells me she's taken no harm from the race, so the Bonecrusher (Stakes) is the obvious next target for her."
Beyond that we'll have to talk things through," Kelso added. "We've already decided this is her final preparation, but if she was to go well at Ellerslie we could perhaps look at a race like the Australian Cup."
The news of Legarto's National Sale confirmation has been welcomed by the Magic Millions team who are busily compiling what will be another industry leading catalogue of prospects for May.
"We are thrilled and extremely honoured to be entrusted to bring Legarto to market on behalf of her connections at the 2026 National Broodmare Sale," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
"Legarto ranks as one of the finest racemares to have graced the turf in New Zealand in recent seasons, and to win the Group One Australian Guineas places her alongside superstar mares Miss Finland, Mosheen and Mystic Journey, as the only fillies to have beaten the males this century in the time honoured Group One.
"She's been a star each season and her win on Saturday was sensational.
"From being an unbeaten juvenile to a Champion of New Zealand at three and the Champion Middle Distance Performer the following season, Legarto has danced every dance and she's also a last start Group One winner," Bowditch added.
"We look forward to enjoying the final conclusion to her racing career before she heads to the Gold Coast where she will be a most sought after breeding prospect for any farm - no matter where they are located around the world."
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