3 minute read
Group 1 winning son of Savabeel to stand alongside his sire.
Noverre, a Group 1-winning son of Savabeel (Zabeel), will join his sire on the 2022 Waikato Stud stallion roster.
Bought for NZ$800,000 by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka, Noverre was the most expensive yearling sold that year by Waikato Stud.
Second on debut as a juvenile over 1200 metres, Noverre broke his maiden three weeks later. He won the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) in late October, before going from last to first in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton.
"From the moment I saw him as yearling, Noverre was a colt we had to have," said Ellis. "He was as close to perfect as one would see in a yearling. He was an incredible athlete, with a deep girth and quality head.
"We paid a bit more for him than we thought we would have to, but right from day one he showed us he was special. He put in a freakish effort in the 2000 Guineas, giving them a start at the turn and beating them way he did.
"He's right up there with the best Te Akau have trained.
Noverre is the first-named foal out of the Group 3-winning two-year-old Magic Dancer (Rip Van Winkle), herself a daughter of multiple two-year-old stakes winner Dazzling Belle (Desert Sun).
Magic Dancer has returned to Savabeel every season since producing Noverre in 2018. Another three colts have followed, including the current yearling that sold for $950,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and the mare is in foal again to the Champion sire.
"We are absolutely delighted to be standing this talented and classy colt," said Mark Chittick.
"It's pretty special for us to have Noverre join his legendary sire Savabeel on the roster and believe me, picking his heir apparent was not a decision we have taken lightly.
"Savabeel showed speed and precocity as a racehorse, as did his dam, and I believe these were crucial ingredients in his success as a stallion. Noverre has the same profile, as a smart 2-year-old out of a fast dam and grandam, all with their share of juvenile ability," said Chittick.
"He's a big, strapping, dark horse, like his sire, and possibly even better-looking than Savabeel. He's been on the farm for two months and has let down into an absolutely beautiful horse, both physically and mentally.
"We'd love anyone interested to come to Waikato Stud and see him in the flesh themselves."