News

Bella Verona secures memorable victory in Inglis Bracelet

5th Nov 2026

Consistent mare Bella Verona (Castelvecchio) scored the most significant victory of her short career at Flemington today when winning the Inglis Bracelet on Oaks Day.

Trained by Matt Laurie, Bella Verona has been an unwavering success story for her connections since Laurie parted with $90,000 for her at the Classic Yearling Sale.

The 4YO has now raced seven times for four wins and three minor placings and earned $307,000 in prizemoney.

Offered by Arrowfield – who co-bred her alongside Waltrin – at Classic, Bella Verona has enjoyed an incredible spring, winning three of her four starts for the preparation.

She defeated the odds-on favourite Sass Appeal today, with G1 winner Fireball Miss in 3^rd.

Flanked by a large group of boisterous owners trackside today, Laurie was always confident Bella Verona could win the feature race.

“We’ve always really liked the horse,’’ the trainer said.

“Getting to this race, fourth up, we applied the blinkers today and she really sharpened up nicely. I loved her effort late, she really dug in so we’re really happy.

“She’s had a hard run. We really liked this horse early days then she suffered a bout of colic, had to go and have surgery, came back in the second half of her 3YO year and she’s been able to kick on and get going. She’s got black type written all over her.’’

Arrowfield’s Jon Freyer added: “We’re delighted to see Bella Verona follow the 2025 winner Verona Rose to Inglis Bracelet success – both daughters of Castelvecchio and both purchased from our Inglis Classic drafts for less than $100,000.

“The Inglis Race Series offers very rewarding incentives for Inglis sales buyers and Verona Rose has certainly franked the form of this race, as a subsequent Group 2 winner, multiple Group placegetter and a live chance in the $2m Five Diamonds on Saturday.’’

Prior to today’s $350,000 Inglis Bracelet, UK Racing media personality Frankie Foster was the guest judge for the Best Turned Out award, whereby the strapper of the horse chosen as the Pick of the Yard wins $500.

Foster chose the Danny O’Brien-trained mare Sass Appeal as the best presented horse pre-race, resulting in strapper James Brownley winning the prize.

The Inglis Race Series returns to Flemington on Saturday for the $400,000 Listed Inglis Banner for 2YOs.

The Best Turned Out award will again be won, as will an Inglis Pink Bonus of up to $200,000.