The Provence Inglis Chairman’s Sale storyline gained fresh momentum with the confirmation that the decorated mare Provence will headline the prestigious auction at Riverside this May. The Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Savabeel has built a remarkable record on the track, and her appearance at the sale adds significant star power to an event already regarded as one of the most influential fixtures on the global bloodstock calendar.
Bred and owned by Tony Rider, Provence has compiled a distinguished career that includes seven victories, three placings and earnings of NZ$1,168,240. Among daughters of champion sire Savabeel, only the outstanding Probabeel has surpassed her tally of three Group 1 victories.
Her rise to elite status began with a commanding success in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile last year. Eight weeks later, she confirmed her class by capturing the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Ellerslie. Provence then added another top-level triumph in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes, further underlining her quality among the country’s leading middle-distance performers.
Last month she continued to perform at the highest level, finishing third in the Group 1 Otaki Maori Classic, beaten less than a length after a determined effort against strong opposition.
Throughout her career, Provence has measured herself against the best in New Zealand racing and emerged with notable victories over a distinguished group of rivals including Legarto, Orchestral, Sharp ‘n’ Smart, Campionessa, Pier, Aegon, Belclare and La Crique among others.
Before heading to the auction ring, the mare will have one final opportunity to enhance her résumé when she attempts to defend her crown in the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes in a fortnight.
Provence Inglis Chairman’s Sale Entry Adds Star Quality
Provence will be offered as both a racing and breeding prospect under Tony Rider’s Milan Park banner, and her owner believes buyers will immediately appreciate her presence and pedigree.
Rider described the mare as an exceptional individual.
“People will understand what I mean when they see her at Riverside in May,” he said. “She is the most magnificent looking mare, an unbelievable type, an absolute stunner.”
He noted that Provence has shown her greatest strength over distances between 1400 and 1600 metres.
“Each of her Group 1 wins has come around the mile. We tried her over 2000 metres at the top level but she really prefers it a bit shorter. Her acceleration between 1400 and 1600 metres is explosive,” Rider explained.
Beyond her racing ability, her temperament has also impressed those closest to her.
“She’s a calm and relaxed mare. Stephen Marsh speaks very highly of her and considers her one of the best mares he’s trained. She has the conformation to become a beautiful broodmare, though I believe she still has more racing to offer as well.”
For Rider, the upcoming sale will also mark a personal milestone. He has never attended the Chairman’s Sale before and is eager to experience the Riverside atmosphere on Thursday, May 7.
“I’ve seen the videos and photos and everyone says it’s a fabulous event where the best mares are showcased,” he said. “When I spoke with Andrew Williams and Bruce Perry, both told me that a mare like Provence belongs at this sale.”
Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager and New Zealand representative Brett Gilding welcomed the addition of the accomplished mare to the catalogue.
“Triple Group 1-winning mares rarely become available at public auction, and Provence is a very special offering,” Gilding said.
“She was a highly accomplished race mare and she’s also a striking physical type with a pedigree that will appeal to breeders and investors around the world.”
He also praised Rider’s breeding operation.
“Tony Rider has built Milan Park into one of New Zealand’s leading nurseries, so it’s an honour for us to present his star mare on the global stage.”
Provence joins a growing list of notable entries for this year’s renewal of The Chairman’s Sale, including Generosity, recent Group 3 winner Ahha Ahha, Group 1-placed Snow In May, and Group winners Coco Jamboo, Eternal Flame and Just Feelin’ Lucky.
Other notable inclusions feature Stakes-winning two-year-old Appin Girl and the dams of this season’s promising juveniles Fireball and Guest House.
Despite its relatively short history, The Chairman’s Sale has quickly established itself as a key event on the international bloodstock calendar. In 2025, fillies and mares retiring from racing averaged $879,222, while the top half of the catalogue averaged more than $1.1 million.
The sale has also produced headline results in recent years, including Bella Nipotina at $4.2 million and Amelia’s Jewel at $3.8 million, alongside notable prices for mares such as Nimalee, Montefilia, She’s Extreme and Tutta La Vita.
This year’s auction will follow the familiar format of a late-afternoon start at Riverside on Thursday, May 7, once again carrying the theme “Where Elegance Meets Excellence.”
Entries for The Chairman’s Sale close on Friday, March 20.
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