Legarto (NZ) signed off in style at Ellerslie on Saturday, producing a powerful late surge to capture the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and possibly mark the final time New Zealand racegoers see the star mare on home soil.

The daughter of Proisir unleashed a trademark finishing burst under Opie Bosson, running down a brave Waitak (NZ) in the closing strides to score by a head. Tuxedo (NZ) charged home late to grab third, with Jaarffi (NZ) finishing fourth.

The victory capped an emotional afternoon for trainers Ken and Bev Kelso, whose day had earlier taken a dramatic turn when their talented sprinter Alabama Lass crashed through the running rail while poised to win the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) two races earlier.

Starting a $2.30 favourite, Legarto was chasing back-to-back weight-for-age wins after her success in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa a month earlier. Punters were willing to overlook her modest Ellerslie record — just one win from six previous starts — trusting the class that has made her one of New Zealand’s premier mares.

Bosson allowed the five-year-old to settle off the pace as Australian visitor Kingswood set a controlled tempo in front. The race began to unfold approaching the home turn, with Kingswood making his move before Waitak struck the front and looked the winner at the 150-metre mark.

But Legarto was just getting warmed up.

Swinging to the outside, Bosson timed his challenge perfectly as the mare unleashed her trademark acceleration, grabbing Waitak right on the line.

For Ken Kelso, the result provided welcome relief after the earlier scare.

“It is really what they call the ups and downs of racing after what happened in the sprint,” Kelso said.

“I’m very proud of this mare as she is one out of the box and a horse you only get once in a lifetime.

“Bev and I have been very fortunate to have had her.

“It’s quite an emotional win as it is probably the last time you will see her on a New Zealand race track.

“Alabama Lass is fine, just a bit stiff and sore obviously and with a wound high up on her back, but she can go out for a spell now.”

Kelso admitted he briefly wondered whether Legarto had been left with too much to do during the running.

“I thought she was a fair way from them and had a bit of work to do, but she was always going to show her turn of foot,” he said.

“We are going to talk to Phillip Brown (part-owner) and the connections as the Australian Cup (Gr.1, 2000m) is an option for her.

“I think people may have forgotten how good she is, but she now has five Group One wins.”

Bred by Warwick Jeffries, Legarto was offered by Highline Thoroughbreds at Karaka 2021 (Book 2), where part-owner Phillip Brown purchased her for NZ$90,000 under his Ancroft Stud banner.

Her career record now stands at 24 starts for 12 wins and five placings, with five victories at Group One level, including the 2023 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. Saturday’s triumph pushed her career earnings beyond NZ$3.16 million.

If this was indeed her farewell appearance in New Zealand, Legarto ensured she left the stage the way champions do — with another elite victory and a performance that reminded everyone just how special she is.

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