No Spring Campaign For Belle Couture

Belle Couture, the half-sister to equine superstar Black Caviar, has returned to the spelling paddock and will not take part in the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

Belle Couture will have to wait until summer before she is given the opportunity to replicate the success of her famous half-sister Black Caviar. Photo by: Taron Clarke

Racing fans have been patiently waiting for their first opportunity to see the Redoute’s Choice filly in action, since she was purchased by BC3 Thoroughbreds for $2.6 million at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in 2012, and excitement started to build when it was reported she was set to take part in a barrier trial within the month.

Trainer Danny O’Brien stressed that there were no problems with the rising three-year-old but said a racing debut would have to wait until summer.

“She got close to a trial, but then she just started to feel the pinch,” O’Brien told Racing Victoria.

“She’s in the paddock now at Barwon Heads.

“I thought she did a really good job, she started late and it was her first prep, so she couldn’t have done any more.

“She’ll be out probably for about six weeks and we’ll start again with her, it’s looking like she won’t be having a start until after the spring.”

Belle Couture is out of super broodmare Helsinge who has produced Black Caviar, four-time Group 1 winner All Too Hard and ‘Jimmy’ who became the most expensive thoroughbred yearling ever sold in Australia when he was purchased by BC3 for $5 million earlier this year.

The progeny of Helsinge have been victorious at Group 1 level on nineteen occasions and accumulated $9,703,986 in prizemoney.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.