BELLE CHEVAL

Belle Cheval was entrusted to Te Akau to train by her breeders David Archer and Diane Wright, who also race the filly with family members. Right from the start, when she completed her four trials before debuting for third in October 2025, there was a recognition that this daughter of Champion Sire Savabeel could well be a special girl.

She did not take long to prove that to be true, with her first win coming at just her second outing later in October 2025 when she rattled home at Ellerslie to score by an impressive 2.5 lengths in the hands of Champion Jockey Craig Grylls.

That performance earned her a tilt at the $400,000 Group 1 Barneswood farm 53rd NZ 1000 Guineas during NZ Cup week in November 2025, where she was hampered then crowded at the start from her wide gate losing ground. Also then held up in the straight, she did well to claim third place in the classic event.

After a freshen up, her target was the $250,000 Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy 3YO SW+P 1200m on Karaka Millions' night at Ellerslie on 24 January 2026 - she flashed home for a length victory in the hands to top Australian rider Craig Williams.

Despite being scratched from her preferred build up race to the NZB Kiwi, she lined up in the $150,000 Group 3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes 3YO SW+P 1400m at Ellerslie on 21 February and was sublime when winning easily for Opie Bosson ONZM.

Belle Cheval secured her spot in the $4 million NZB Kiwi staged at Ellerslie on 7 March 2026. Up against a red hot favourite, she didn't draw to advantage but barnstormed down the track for visiting Australian rider (and former Te Akau apprentice) Mick Dee to finish second - only going down by the bob of the head in a massive effort.

That effort booked her ticket to Sydney - on 27 March 2026 she stepped out in the A$750,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes for fillies and mares over 2000m at Rosehill Gardens.  In the hands of this year's Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Zac Lloyd, Belle Cheval again showed that brilliant class to claim victory on the line - surviving an inquiry - and realising her group 1 potential!

Bred by Archer Equine Investments, Belle Cheval is raced by DL Archer, SC Archer, NN Micarone & DJ Wrigh. She has raced seven times for four wins and three placings, earning $1,425,500 in her career to date.