The 14-time Group 1 winner Melody Belle foaled a Written Tycoon filly at Yulong Stud on Saturday night.
The two-time New Zealand Horse Of The Year was a $2.6 million purchase for Yulong at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in 2021.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the first foal of Melody Belle. You could not get a better first foal. A super job by the mare” said Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer Sam Fairgray.
The daughter of Commands was purchased for $57,500 as a yearling by Te Akau principal David Ellis, on behalf of Fortuna Thoroughbreds, from the Haunui Farm draft at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka.
Bred by Marie Leicester, Melody Belle is a member of the famous Belle family.
A half-sister to dual Listed stakes-winner Tutukaka (Tavistock), Melody Belle is a daughter of the winning Iffraaj (GB) mare Meleka Belle from a family nurtured by Leicester’s father James Sarten.