The Inglis Chairman’s Sale will take centre stage this autumn, and it is Benedetta who arrives as its undisputed headline act — a racemare of rare consistency and class, now poised to command attention as one of the most accomplished mares offered at public auction in the Southern Hemisphere this year.
From the moment she stepped onto the track as a three-year-old, the daughter of Hellbent announced herself as something out of the ordinary. Six wins from her first eight starts, highlighted by a dominant performance in the $750,000 Inglis Sprint at Flemington against a field stacked with Stakes winners, set the tone for a career built on speed, resilience and remarkable consistency. She did not miss a placing in her first nine appearances — a testament to both her talent and temperament.
Her crowning moment came at Morphettville, where she captured the Group 1 Goodwood, accounting for a deep field that included Amelia’s Jewel, Skybird, Climbing Star and I Am Me. It was the performance that confirmed her standing among the elite sprinters of her generation.
Benedetta Brings Star Power to Inglis Chairman’s Sale
Beyond that Group 1 success, Benedetta’s record is one of sustained excellence. She has placed at the highest level on four further occasions, including two notable efforts in the Black Caviar Lightning, as well as strong performances in the William Reid and Robert Sangster Stakes. Her résumé is further enhanced by dual Group 3 victories and a remarkable statistic — finishing in the top five in 10 of her 16 starts at Group 1 level.
Her Timeform ratings place her alongside some of the most recognised names in the modern sprinting ranks, underlining her consistency against elite opposition.
Still in active training with Ciaron Maher, Benedetta has shown no sign of slowing down. In her most recent runs, she has accounted for top-class rivals including Giga Kick, Baraqiel and Magic Time, reaffirming her competitiveness at the highest level. Connections are now considering further Group 1 targets, including the All Aged Stakes and Robert Sangster Stakes, along with the rich Quokka, before her date with the sales ring.
Benedetta will be offered as a racing and breeding prospect through Widden Stud’s draft at Riverside on the evening of Thursday, May 7 — a fitting stage for a mare of her stature.
The Chairman’s Sale itself promises depth and quality, with a catalogue featuring elite mares such as triple Group 1 winner Provence, millionaire performers Arabian Summer and Generosity, and a host of well-related and Stakes-performed fillies and broodmares.
Purchased for $75,000 by Laurence Eales at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Benedetta has already returned more than $2.4 million in prizemoney, making her rise one of the more compelling stories in recent seasons.
Eales spoke with clear admiration for the mare who has carried his colours with distinction.
“She’s an unbelievably good-looking mare and, to be perfectly honest, she has never looked better than she does right now,” he said. “She’s been a fantastic mare for us, but we feel the timing is right to offer her and allow someone else to continue her journey, both on the track and in the breeding barn.”
Describing her as balanced, tough and composed, Eales emphasised her appeal as a future broodmare, noting her pedigree, athleticism and calm demeanour as standout qualities.
The decision to present her at the Chairman’s Sale, he added, was straightforward.
“It’s a select sale and the results speak for themselves. It’s the right platform for a mare of her calibre.”
Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson echoed those sentiments, suggesting mares of Benedetta’s quality are seldom available on the open market.
“She has the physique of a sprinter, a progressive pedigree and the versatility to suit a wide range of leading stallions. She would be a valuable addition to any broodmare band,” he said.
Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager Harry Bailey went further, describing her as potentially unmatched among offerings in the region this year.
“Mares like this rarely come to market. She’s had that X-factor from day one and has arguably been unlucky not to add further Group 1 victories to her record,” Bailey noted.
With supplementary entries still open until April 24, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the standout bloodstock events of the year. Yet, even among a strong catalogue, Benedetta shapes as the mare all eyes will follow when the Inglis Chairman’s Sale unfolds.
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