As the countdown
progresses towards Black Caviar becoming a mum for the first time, Love Racing,
the majority shareholder in her minor winning half-sister Belle Couture have
confirmed that she will be bred to Coolmore's Golden Slipper winner Pierro in coming weeks.
"We could have carried on with her, but she's so valuable as a breeding
prospect that the time is right to call it a day and embark on the next stage,"
Love Racing principal Donna Love said.
"She is now owned by a small group of the original owners, and we are all very
excited at what the future holds for Belle Couture."
Belle Couture was the Inglis Easter sale-topper in 2012 when bought by BC3
Thoroughbreds for $2.6 million.
The daughter of Redoute's Choice was given to Danny O'Brien to train but could
win just one race, a maiden event over 1200 metres at Caulfield, from just four
starts.
Belle Couture will, like the remainder of Love Racing's mares, reside at
Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley, joining stakes winners Assail, Esprit de
Bleu and Real Stolle.
Assail and Real Stolle recently produced their first foals, a Pierro colt for
Assail and an Exceed and Excel filly for Real Stolle, while Esprit de Bleu is
due shortly to Smart Missile.
"Donna and Rob are building a lovely portfolio of mares, and Belle Couture
is a tremendously exciting addition to the breeding ranks," Love Racing's
Bloodstock Manager James Harron said.
"With Shamal Wind also representing Love Racing on the track at a high level,
these are exciting times."