Sparkling Melody, one of the greatest mares Queensland has produced, is returning home.
The 2002 Queensland Oaks winner was bred and raced by Ken and Gwen Veivers and prepared throughout her career by Wayne Graham, the daughter of champion sire Fake Left won 29 of her 51 starts while banking more than $290,000 in Stakes.
When successful in the Queensland Oaks at Albion Park, she defeated a crack field which included the likes of Oaxaca Lass, Sassy Sarah and Elect To Live among others.
The following week, she finished a terrific third in the Queensland Derby.
During her three-year-old term, Sparkling Melody won the Gold Coast and Redcliffe Oaks while finishing fourth (4th) in the Australian Oaks at Moonee Valley.
Sparkling Melody contested the 2003 Gr.1 Chariots Of Fire at Harold Park and also won the Gr.2 Cranbourne Cup.
In 2004, she finished third (3rd) in the Gr.1 Ladyship Mile at Harold Park.
Following her retirement, Veivers bred with Sparkling Melody before sending her to Ross Pike in Victoria.
Her progeny includes Village Maestro (by Village Jasper), Left Dreaming (by Dream Away), Lively Melody (by Live Or Die) and Jakalija (by Stonebridge Regal).
Her last two foalings are colts by Sportswriter and Art Major.
But after a number of years spent south, the former star racemare is headed back to the Sunshine State in the coming weeks.
Better known as ‘Sarsy’ and now aged 20 - Sparkling Melody is a true Queensland harness racing star!
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | September 28