Group 1 Star Belle Cheval Retires

Group One winner Belle Cheval has been retired from racing, bringing to a close a sparkling career that gave her owners and our team some unforgettable moments.

Bred by David Archer and Diane Wright, Belle Cheval was raced by the couple in partnership with Simon Archer and Natalie Micarone. The daughter of Savabeel and Keepa Cheval joined Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at Matamata. A half-sister to triple Group One winner The Bostonian and Group 3 winner Cheval D’Or, she soon began writing her own success story.

On the advice of Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick, David and Diane retained their promising filly to race. She became the first horse they entrusted to our stable, making the journey that followed particularly special for everyone involved.

After finishing third on debut at Taupo in October 2025, Belle Cheval announced herself with a brilliant victory at Ellerslie at just her second start. Ridden by Craig Grylls, she accelerated clear to win by two and a half lengths, showing the turn of foot that would become a hallmark of her performances.

Just a fortnight later, she stepped into Group 1 company in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton. Finishing third at only her third start, she showed she belonged alongside the best fillies of her generation.

Returning in the summer, she claimed the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy on Karaka Millions night with Craig Williams aboard, before adding the Group 3 Uncle Remus Stakes to her CV under Opie Bosson. Her progress was exciting to watch as attention turned to the $4 million NZB Kiwi.

Then came that unforgettable finish. Charging home from the rear, Belle Cheval came within a short head of defeating Well Written - a performance that had her connections and our entire team holding their breath.

Three weeks later, she had her Group 1 moment.

Making her Australian debut and stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time, Belle Cheval showed her class and determination to hold off After Summer in the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill in Sydney. With Zac Lloyd aboard, she delivered a treasured Australian victory for her proud owners and our team.

Her ownership family were all trackside to share in the celebrations. At just her seventh start, the filly they had chosen to keep had become a Group 1 winner - a wonderful reward for their belief in her and a moment to cherish together.

After a spell and preparations with our Cranbourne team, Belle Cheval returned for the spring in the Group 3 Courtza Stakes. Following a setback after that run, the decision has been made to retire her, with a new chapter ahead as a broodmare.

Belle Cheval leaves the racetrack with four wins from eight starts, including three stakes victories over 1200, 1400 and 2000 metres - an impressive record reflecting her talent and versatility.

Her retirement marks a bittersweet moment for her ownership family and every member of our New Zealand and Australian teams who cared for her so beautifully.

We thank David, Diane and their family for their trust and support, her jockeys for their part in these memorable performances, and our team for the dedication behind every preparation and every raceday.

So much achieved, so many memories made. It has been a privilege to share Belle Cheval’s racing journey, and we look forward to following her next chapter as a broodmare.