Racing: Princess Coup sold

Champion racemare Princess Coup has been lost to the New Zealand breeding industry despite the best efforts of part-owner Ray Coupland.

David Ellis Champion racemare Princess Coup has been lost to New Zealand after being sold at auction in Australia yesterday for A$3 million.

Princess Coup was purchased at the Gold Coast sales by Australian bloodstock agent Tony Bott on behalf of an American buyer.

The winner of $4,234,168 was offered as a result of what can best be described as a personality clash between the two owners: South Island's Ray Coupland and Taupo-based John Bromley.

Coupland had wanted the mare sold at New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka mixed bloodstock sale last month, but Bromley successfully sought the court's permission to have her put to auction in Queensland.

The underbidder at A$2.9 million was David Ellis, principal of New Zealand's massive Te Akau breeding and racing operation, who was acting on behalf of Ray Coupland.

"Ray wanted to put the peg in the ground and protect the New Zealand industry by retaining such a wonderful mare for breeding at home, but it wasn't to be."

Ellis said he was confident his client had the firepower to secure Princess Coup.

"A month ago a syndicate from Europe came to New Zealand to buy Princess Coup and they had $4 million.

"We had to go to this sale of course and $4 million New Zealand is not quite $3 million Australian, but given that the prices have probably come back 10 per cent in the last month because of the recession, it's in the ballpark.

"I was confident we were going to buy her."

Ellis said Tony Bott had recently been underbidder on outstanding filly Samantha Miss at auction for the same client and was clearly determined to get a result, which made the bidding extremely competitive.

Not every outstanding racemare has matched that success in a stud career, but Ellis said much has been lost.

"Ray was going to have her served by Redoute's Choice in the spring then bring her back to New Zealand to send her to Darci Brahma, which he has a share in.

"Overall, it's a big shame."

Princess Coup was the sensational winner of the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes over Red Ruler and Nom du Jeu at Hastings last spring.

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Leading Queensland Guineas contender Marveen has been bought by Melbourne businessman Sean Buckley and will race in his colours at Eagle Farm tomorrow.

Bloodstock agent Steve Brem purchased the filly on Buckley's behalf for A$450,000 also at the Gold Coast sales.

"She will run on Saturday in the Guineas and carry Sean Buckley's colours," Brem said yesterday.

"She's a lovely filly and she has a bright future both on the racetrack and then as a broodmare down the track."

The filly was floated from Brisbane to the Magic Millions complex on Thursday morning after completing a workout ahead of the Guineas tomorrow, which is worth A$251,500.

Among the horses Buckley has raced is 2006-07 Horse of the Year Miss Andretti.