Elusive Chick - a once in a lifetime horse

Twelve years ago today Derek and Adele Jones bought Elusive Chick at the yearling sales in Christchurch for $3000.

Little did they know that day would change their lives.

The horse would go on to win over $400,000, then produce another good earner in Lulu Le Mans ($112,724).

And now a second progeny sold at this week's NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales for $210,000.

"It's been a massive buzz, it's hard to explain," said Derek Jones after his yearling ended up being one of the top lots of the entire sale.

"I was expecting over 100 thousand because he's a lovely colt ... but not to get to 200."

And Jones has his wife to thank for this racing/breeding feel good story.

"We were at the sales (in 2012) and Adele loved the horse. I didn't want another horse but we bought her ... and she's been a wee champ."

As a racing proposition Elusive Chick (McArdle - Annie Jay) won 13 times from 58 starts, and $418,586. Among her wins was the 4YO Diamond at the Harness Jewels in Ashburton in 2013.

After her racing days finished in 2015 Elusive Chick was served by super sire Bettor's Delight. The resulting foal Lulu Le Mans went on to win 10 races, the last of which was at Methven in January. She's now been retired from racing and is currently in foal to Always B Miki.

The yearling that sold this week is a full brother to Lulu Le Mans (Bettor's Delight - Elusive Chick). He was bought by Stonewall Stud, who went on a huge buying spree at both Auckland and Christchurch, with 21 yearlings totalling $2.348m.

"It was just the third ever horse we have sold at the sales," says Jones.

Like Lulu Le Mans, Elusive Chick is now in foal to Always B Miki - she really is the gift that keeps giving.

"It's been an amazing ride."