Provence to be Offered at Inglis Chairman’s Sale

Three-time group 1-winning mare Provence is the latest star attraction confirmed for the Inglis Chairman's Sale, to be held at Riverside May 7. Bred and owned by Tony Rider, the Stephen Marsh-trained 6-year-old has won on seven occasions and placed on a further three, earning over NZ$1.1 million. Her first top-flight victory came in the Thorndon Mile (G1) last year, before backing that performance up just eight weeks later in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (G1) at Ellerslie. She then added the Captain Cook Stakes (G1) before running third—beaten less than a length—in the Otaki Maori WFA Classic (G1) last month. Provence's tally of group 1 wins is bettered only by the mighty Probabeel among daughters of champion sire Savabeel (AUS), and she has defeated some of New Zealand's brightest stars, including Legarto, Orchestral, Sharp 'N' Smart, and El Vencedor. Prior to the Chairman's Sale, Provence will attempt to defend her crown in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes March 28. She will be offered as a racing and breeding prospect under her owner Tony Rider's Milan Park banner. "People will understand what I mean when they see her at Riverside in May, but she is the most magnificent looking mare—an absolute stunner,'' Rider said. "Each of her group 1 wins have come over the mile, and we tried her over 2000 meters last start at group 1 level (in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes) but she just wants it a bit shorter; her turn of foot over the 1400 to 1600 meters is so explosive. "Her temperament is fantastic, and Stephen Marsh says she's one of the best mares he's ever trained. I have no doubt she'll make the most beautiful broodmare, but I also believe she has plenty more racing in her as well.'' Inglis bloodstock sales manager and New Zealand representative Brett Gilding was thrilled to have secured Provence for The Chairman's Sale. "You don't see triple group 1-winning mares being offered for public auction very often, and Provence is a special offering,'' Gilding said. "She's a very accomplished race mare, but beyond that, she's particularly good-looking and has a sexy pedigree, so she is going to appeal to a huge range of investors, both international and domestic. "Tony Rider has established Milan Park as one of the best nurseries in New Zealand, and it's an honor for Inglis to have the opportunity to showcase his star mare to the world.'' Provence joins the recently announced Generosity amongst the star lots for what is shaping to be another intriguing renewal of The Chairman's Sale. Other recent additions include last start group 3 winner Ahha Ahha, group 1-placed stakes winner Snow In May, group winners Coco Jamboo, Eternal Flame, and Just Feelin' Lucky (Justify), stakes-winning juvenile Appin Girl as well as the dams of this season's star juveniles Fireball and Guest House.