Leicester popping Moet following Cellarmaster’s Guineas triumph
Marie Leicester was popping the bubbly on Saturday evening when celebrating another stakes success as a breeder, this time with Cellarmaster (NZ) (Bivouac) in the Gr.3 Winx Guineas (1600m) on the Sunshine Coast.
Awapuni gelding Platinum Pantheon (Hanseatic) looked to have the race sewn up after he found the front out wide with 200m to go, but the Tom Charlton-trained Cellarmaster sprouted wings and flew home late to nab the Kiwi on the line.
While many Kiwis’ hopes were dashed, there was some consolation in defeat as the only New Zealand-bred horse in the field claimed the Group Three crown, much to the delight of Leicester.
“I was in seventh heaven on Saturday night,” she beamed.
By Bivouac, Cellarmaster is out of Leicester’s Tavistock mare Moet Belle (NZ), who is a half-sister to 14-time Group One winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), and hails from the famed Belle family, which Leicester has had so much success with.
“It (Belle family) just goes on and on,” Leicester said. “My parents first sent a mare to stud in 1937, and the mare didn’t get in foal that year, so they sent her back the next year to Foxbridge and got in foal, and we have been breeding from that family ever since.”
The victory continued a great season for Leicester, who also bred fellow three-year-old Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo), who claimed elite-level success in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton last November.
“In the current three-year-old crop I have had a Group One winner (Romanoff) and now a Group Three winner. For an old girl I am doing alright,” Leicester quipped.
While Romanoff was the last foal out of the late Tsarina Belle (NZ) (Stravinsky), Leicester has plenty to look forward to with Cellarmaster’s dam, Moet Belle, who is a rising nine-year-old.
Out of broodmare gem and 2019-20 New Zealand Broodmare of the Year Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj), Moet Belle just had the two starts following a stable accident, and was subsequently retired and sent to stud, with her first mating being with Darley Stud stallion Bivouac.
Cellarmaster was the resulting foal and Leicester said he was a striking individual from a young age.
“He foaled here (New Zealand) because she (Moet Belle) was heading down to Per Incanto,” Leicester said. “He was a lovely foal, I can remember that he loved having his backside scratched. He was always a good-looking horse.”
The Magic Millions buying bench agreed, and trainer John O’Shea and bloodstock agent James Bester had to go to A$260,000 to secure him at the 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
“They told me that the Bivouacs were all a very mixed bag and he was a good-looking horse, and he still is by the look of him,” Leicester said.
O’Shea and Bester’s judgment has been vindicated this season, with Cellarmaster winning two races before placing in the Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in March prior to his crowning glory on Saturday, with his earnings having now surpassed A$342,000.
Moet Belle has also left a Per Incanto filly, who was purchased out of Haunui’s 2025 Karaka draft by Star Thoroughbred and Randwick Bloodstock Agency for $180,000, and an Anamoe colt, who was purchased out of Haunui’s draft at Karaka earlier this year by Laurel Oak Bloodstock for $300,000.
Moet Belle is currently in foal to former Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth, who has subsequently been acquired by Coolmore, and she has a date with an emerging Cambridge Stud sire this coming breeding season.
“She is in-foal to Super Seth, so wasn’t it good timing? And she is going to visit Sword Of State this coming season,” Leicester said.
Leicester is currently breeding from seven mares and she said they are her passion in life.
“I have got seven mares in foal, and I will be mating the seven mares,” she said. “I love them all. I enjoy what I do and my life revolves around my horses.” - Joshua Smith
Monash marks Bellatrix Star’s return
Given what he has experienced with Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) the past two seasons, Mark Walker is taking a cautious approach with the classy sprinting mare as she edges towards a return to the races.
That is slated to occur this Saturday in the A$200,000 Gr.3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.
The weight-for-age event will be Bellatrix Star's first start since finishing last in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1100m) last November, her only outing since finishing down the track in the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) more than 12 months earlier.
Runner-up to Switzerland (Snitzel) in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) the start prior, Bellatrix Star hasn't had the opportunity to scale the heights Walker considered her destined for as a mare, but he remains hopeful the rising five-year-old has more to achieve.
"We've had a lot of problems with her and she's been off the scene for a long time," Walker said.
"She had an accident coming home from the swimming pool, she fractured her neck when a loose horse ran past and she reared up and fell over.
"We got her over that, then she had her first start back and she chipped a fetlock and had to go for fetlock surgery.
"That's just racing, you take the good with the bad. She's still very lightly-raced, so if she ran well on Saturday, hopefully we get things back on track."
Bellatrix Star has won five of her 12 starts, the highlights being Group Two wins in the Eclipse Stakes (1200m) in New Zealand and the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) against the older horses the start before the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
The daughter of Star Witness has been given a steady build-up, including two trials and two jumpouts, the latter at Cranbourne last Monday when she was a convincing two-length winner over Midnight Devil (Hellbent) and Pinstriped (Street Boss).
Craig Williams, who was aboard for Bellatrix Star's Schillaci Stakes win, was aboard for the latest workout and Walker considers it a positive the premiership-hunting jockey is sticking with her on raceday.
"It was encouraging that Craig rode her in the jumpout and he's riding her raceday, so that gives us a bit of a push," Walker said.
Bellatrix Star was one of 19 entries for the Monash Stakes, with her list of potential rivals headed by Matt Smith's classy gelding Headwall (Dream Ahead).
Raced by John Galvin’s Fortuna Racing, Bellatrix Star was offered by Phoenix Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2023, where she was bought for $80,000 by Fortuna Racing in partnership with Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis. - NZ Racing Desk
Paul Vettise
NZ Racing Desk
NZ Stallion Awards
The Centaine Award
Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide.
The Dewar Stallion Trophy
Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand.
The Grosvenor Award
Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand.
NZ BRED WINNERS
TOP TO SKY (NZ) 2021 by El Roca (AUS) out of Daly River (AUS) by General Nediym (AUS); Breeder: G Harvey; Auckland; NZ; Race: HKJC World-Class Leadership H. 1400m.; Sale: 2023 Ready to Run Sale V: Westbury Stud $400000 P: HY Investments
KA YING ATTACK (NZ) 2021 by Too Darn Hot (GB) out of Refreshing (AUS) by Stratum (AUS); Breeder: Jamieson Park Ltd; Auckland; NZ; Race: HKJC Hong Kong Reunification Cup 1400m.; Sale: 2022 National Weanling Sale V: Jamieson Park $30000 P: RR Philp
SILVER SPURS (NZ) 2020 by Charm Spirit (IRE) out of The Pearler by Volksraad (GB); Breeder: Ravelston Stud Ltd; South; NZ; Race: HKJC Serving the Community H. 1200m.; Sale: 2022 Ready to Run Sale V: Phoenix Park $180000 P: R Fownes
NYX GLUCK (NZ) 2021 by Redwood (GB) out of La Parfaite (AUS) by Dehere (USA); Breeder: G Harvey; Auckland; NZ; Race: HKJC Continuous Development H. 1400m.; Sale: 2023 Ready to Run Sale V: Westbury Stud $160000 P: Golden River Investments / Johnny Chen
JOLLY BRILLIANT (NZ) 2022 by Ocean Park out of Shopaholic by Pins (AUS); Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Riding High Together H. 1600m.; Sale: 2024 National Yearling Sale - Book 1 V: Waikato Stud Ltd $140000 P: R Yiu
LUCKY SAM GOR (NZ) 2021 by Press Statement (AUS) out of Giovanna Bella by Iffraaj (GB); Breeder: Azzurro Breeding Ltd; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Sportsmanship H. 1600m.
RISING FORCE (NZ) 2021 by Deep Field (AUS) out of On the Que Tee (AUS) by Sebring (AUS); Breeder: C W Kwok; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Li Cup 1200m.; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale - Book1 V: Windsor Park Stud $75000 P: Sterling Investments
HEALTHY HEALTHY (NZ) 2019 by Per Incanto (USA) out of Spritz by Thorn Park (AUS); Breeder: Beaufort Downs Ltd; Canterbury; NZ; Race: HKJC Stevenson Cup 1200m.; Sale: 2021 National Yearling Sale - Book 1 V: Beaufort Downs Ltd $160000 P: KL Lo
VICTOR SUPREME (NZ) 2022 by Super Seth (AUS) out of Collay (AUS) by Makfi (GB); Breeder: Elsdon Park; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Ip Jug H. 1800m.; Sale: 2024 National Yearling Sale - Book 1 V: Elsdon Park $340000 P: R Yiu
SPEEDY SMARTIE (MY) Sovereigns Gold (NZ) 2021 by Ten Sovereigns (IRE) out of Buymore by Zabeel; Breeder: Valachi Downs Stud Ltd; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1020; Sale: 2022 National Weanling Sale V: Valachi Downs $12500 P: Mr BM Donoghue ; 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: BMD Bloodstock $75000 P: HY Investments
MEGA SKYE (NZ) 2022 by Ocean Park out of Legs by Pins (AUS); Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1400; Sale: 2024 Ready To Run Sale V: Waikato Stud $65000 P: Mr Tiang Huat Tan
FLYING NEMO (NZ) 2019 by Vespa out of Hineni by Alamosa; Breeder: Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1400; Sale: 2021 National Online Yearling Sale V: Hedwood Thoroughbreds $7000 P: Warrior Stables
ANJOU CROWN (MY) Bendrodt (NZ) 2021 by Exceed And Excel (AUS) out of Shadow Watch (AUS) by So You Think; Breeder: Milburn Creek Stud; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1600
COOL SIXTY-ONE (MY) Cavani (NZ) 2018 by Vespa out of Marie Doree (FR) by River Bay (USA); Breeder: Wellfield Holdings Ltd; Central; NZ: Race: Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1300
DONTELLMYWIFE (MY) Guess Me (NZ) 2021 by Complacent (AUS) out of Shelly Bee by Pentire (GB); Breeder: Simms Davison; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1200; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Mapperley Stud $55000 P: HY Investments
SWEY CITY FLYER (NZ) 2022 by Sweynesse (AUS) out of Cape City Flyer by Volksraad (GB); Breeder: Windsor Park Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1500; Sale: 2024 National Yearling Sale – Book 2 V: Windsor Park Stud $45000 P: Mr KA Pertab; 2024 Ready To Run Sale V: Pertab Racing $45000 P: Simon Dunderdale / Joe Yorke Bloodstock
Global NZ-bred winners
2026-06-27 / 2026-07-04
AUSTRALIA
Almanzor : Andy Win (NZ) (Waguar by Thewayyouare) 2020;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Warrnambool RC Kevin Lafferty Hurdle 3200m
Sold by Carlaw Park at National Weanling Sale for $55000
Ardrossan : Shiny Love (NZ) (Miss Rule by Bachelor Duke) 2021;
29 Jun 2026, 1st Emerald JC Flexihire H. 1630m
Sold by Prima Park at National Yearling Sale for $30000
Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $100000
Ardrossan : Our Huntress (NZ) (O'Misty by O'Reilly) 2022;
01 Jul 2026, 1st BRC Sky Racing Maiden P. 1200m
Sold by Elsdon Park at National Yearling Sale for $390000
Belardo : Humza Bey (NZ) (Torba by Elusive City) 2021;
01 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Tobin Brothers Celeb Lives H. 1200m
Better Than Ready : Ready to Shine (NZ) (Luminescent by Makfi) 2020;
27 Jun 2026, 1st ATC Schweppes H. 1200m
Bivouac : Cellarmaster (NZ) (Moet Belle by Tavistock) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Winx Guineas Gr.3 1600m
Castelvecchio : Brillantezza (NZ) (Kristalove by Tavistock) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Mahogany Final H. 2500m
Contributer : Conducive (NZ) (Astardia by Starcraft) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st WATC Happy 60th Birthday Tim Helfer H. 1300m
Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $130000
Contributer : Itsagiven (NZ) (She's Not Bad by He's Remarkable) 2022;
29 Jun 2026, 1st Southside Racing Bridgestone Select Pakenham Maiden P. 2200m
Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $60000
El Roca : Stop the Rock (NZ) (Shezablonde by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2021;
27 Jun 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1700m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $75000
Eminent : Don Pedro - King Pedro (Aus.) (NZ) (Jiving by O'Reilly) 2021;
27 Jun 2026, 1st ATC Ranvet Stayers Cup 2400m
Ghibellines : Ahab (NZ) (Nasheeta by Smart Missile) 2020;
02 Jul 2026, 1st Ballarat TC Manhari H. 2100m
Hello Youmzain : Hello Captain (NZ) (Steer by the Stars by Pivotal) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Find Your Stakes Winner at the Chase H. 1300m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $425000
Jakkalberry : Detonator Jack (NZ) (Red Delicious by No Excuse Needed) 2018;
04 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Winter Championship Final L 1600m
Jon Snow : Jonson (NZ) (Norah by Gallant Guru) 2021;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Wyong RC Pre-Training at Domeland H. 1600m
Ocean Park : Olympic Park (NZ) (Sacred Rhythm by Pentire) 2021;
04 Jul 2026, 1st WATC Think Pink Hope Heels and Horses H. 1400m
Ocean Park : Ocean's Jen (NZ) (Really Reputable by O'Reilly) 2017;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Solis Real Estate H. 1300m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at Karaka May Sale for $32000
Ocean Park : Farraige (NZ) (Laurelling by Highest Honor) 2020;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Port Macquarie RC Rheem H. 1808m
Ocean Park : Farraige (NZ) (Laurelling by Highest Honor) 2020;
30 Jun 2026, 1st Taree RC Gloucester Cup Raceday H. 2000m
Ocean Park : Larkin (NZ) (Mandy O'Reilly by O'Reilly) 2021;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Gundagai-Adelong RC Gundagai District Services Club Maiden P. 1180m
Sold by Carlaw Park at National Yearling Sale for $100000
Ocean Park : Ocean Ranger (NZ) (Hollywood Queen by Redoute's Choice) 2020;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Bunbury TC Thompson and Redwood H. 1685m
Proisir : Coeur Volante (NZ) (Shanina by Testa Rossa) 2020;
27 Jun 2026, 1st MRC Quayclean H. 1400m
Sold by Prima Park at National Yearling Sale for $90000
Proisir : Leovanni (NZ) (Amparo by Colombia) 2021;
03 Jul 2026, 1st Tamworth JC New England Shade Sails Maiden P. 1400m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $210000
Rageese : The Girl's Boy (NZ) (Cash in Transit by Snitzel) 2019;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Frontier Hotel and Punters Bar H. 1300m
Redwood : Thebudgiesmugla (NZ) (Hot Pants by Keeper) 2020;
04 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Caloundra Cup L 2400m
Satono Aladdin : Satono Jasmine (NZ) (High Spin by High Chaparral) 2022;
02 Jul 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC Good Luck James Heddo H. 1600m
Tarzino : Tarzing (NZ) (Coyote Miss by Commands) 2021;
27 Jun 2026, 1st ATC Irresistible Pools and Spas H. 1400m
Sold by Landsdowne Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $250000
Sold by Jamieson Park at National Weanling Sale for $110000
Tavistock : Asterix (NZ) (Mourasana by Shirocco) 2018;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Qld Tatt's RC Tattersall's Cup Gr.3 2400m
Sold by Curraghmore at Ready to Run Sale for $450000
The Bold One : Brave Star (NZ) (Kai Iwi Lass by Al Akbar) 2017;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Murray Bridge RC Golden Grove Tavern H. 1600m
Time Test : Step in Time (NZ) (Caradonna by Don Eduardo) 2019;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Warrnambool RC Michelin Service Centre Highweight H. 2350m
Sold by Highden Park at National Yearling Sale for $45000
War Decree : Warish (NZ) (Bearish by High Chaparral) 2021;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Sale TC Committee of Management Maiden P. 1728m
Sold by Ohukia Lodge Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $65000
HONG KONG
Charm Spirit : Silver Spurs (NZ) (The Pearler by Volksraad) 2020;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Serving the Community H. 1200m
Sold by Phoenix Park at Ready to Run Sale for $180000
El Roca : Top to Sky (NZ) (Daly River by General Nediym) 2021;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC World-Class Leadership H. 1400m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $400000
Ocean Park : Jolly Brilliant (NZ) (Shopaholic by Pins) 2022;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Riding High Together H. 1600m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $140000
Per Incanto : Circuit Victory (NZ) (Amanjena by Smart Missile) 2019;
27 Jun 2026, 1st HKJC Kam Tin River H. 1200m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $200000
Press Statement : Lucky Sam Gor (NZ) (Giovanna Bella by Iffraaj) 2021;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Sportsmanship H. 1600m
Redwood : Nyx Gluck (NZ) (La Parfaite by Dehere) 2021;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Continuous Development H. 1400m
Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $160000
Too Darn Hot : Ka Ying Attack (NZ) (Refreshing by Stratum) 2021;
01 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Hong Kong Reunification Cup 1400m
Sold by Jamieson Park at National Weanling Sale for $30000
MALAYSIA
Derryn : Antipodean (NZ) (Pakapunch by Per Incanto) 2020;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Selangor TC Aplus Cup 1600m
Sold by Regal Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $23000
Nicconi : Joyee Go (NZ) (Hoopla by Hinchinbrook) 2021;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1275m
Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $25000
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Weanling Sale for $20000
Ocean Park : Mental (NZ) (Dubrovnik by Medaglia d'Oro) 2018;8 Jun 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1500m
Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $7000
Proisir : Onemorefortheroad (NZ) (Galigo by High Chaparral) 2018;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1600m
Sacred Falls : Flying Spider (NZ) (Pinderella by Pins) 2017;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1000m
Sold by Long Acres Stud at National Yearling Sale for $15000
Sold by D. J.Myers at Karaka May Sale for $10000
Super Seth : Appointed - Pacific Energy (Mal.) (NZ) (The Real Beel by Savabeel) 2021;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Selangor TC 4YO Sprint Championship 1200m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $70000
Time Test : Time Flies - Nimbus Star (Sing.) (NZ) (Rorippa by Towkay) 2019;
28 Jun 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1200m
Sold by Little Avondale Stud at National Yearling Sale for $115000
Time Test : Stormrunner (NZ) (Oyster Island by Fastnet Rock) 2022;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 4 H. 1200m
Turn Me Loose : Golden Cup (NZ) (Anniesstar by Zed) 2018;
27 Jun 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1300m
Sold by Little Avondale Stud at National Yearling Sale for $6000
