The best race mare ever produced in Australasia that’s the description rightfully bestowed upon champion Kiwi mare Sunline. Bred by Michael Martin and Susan

Archer of Auckland, Sunline was leased out as a young horse to Takanini trainer Trevor McKee who, with partners Helen Lusty and Thayne Green, exercised their option to purchase the filly for $40,000.

Sunline developed a cult following around the world as she compiled an outstanding record of 31 wins from 44 starts including a New Zealand record of 13 Group One victories. Her second Cox Plate win was one of the most breath-taking racetrack performances ever seen as she annihilated her rivals with a seven length winning margin and brought tears to the eyes of her regular jockey Greg Childs. Sunline’s win in the Hong Kong Mile showed she was truly of international class. She collected two Australian and three New Zealand Horse of the Year titles in a racing career from 1998-2002.

Statistics

1995 bay mare

Desert Sun-Songline by Western Symphony

Breeders: M Martin and S Archer

Owners: Trevor McKee, Helen Lusty and Thayne Green

Trainers: Trevor and Stephen McKee (New Zealand)

Race record: 44 starts, 31 wins, 8 seconds, 2 thirds

Prize money: AU$9,361,615, NZ$245,950, HK$5,700,000, UAE dirhams 732,000

Group I Wins: AJC Flight Stakes, Doncaster Handicap, Cox Plate (twice), Coolmore

Classic, All Aged Stakes (twice), Manikato Stakes, Hong Kong Mile, Waikato

Draught Sprint (twice), Coolmore Classic (twice)