The fact that 19% of all Group One winners in Australia over the past five seasons have first and/or second dams that carry the NZ suffix comes as no surprise to breeders, trainers and owners eager to tap into New Zealand’s matriarchal strength.

She never reached the giddy heights of Bob Emery's glamour mare Champagne, but the Cambridge breeder has spoken glowingly of Charmont in announcing her retirement.

Successful owner-breeder Bob Emery was pondering a serious question on Monday. Should he retire his Group One-winning mare Charmont now, or race her for another season?

The decorated partnership of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman savoured a double dose of Group One glory in double quick time on Saturday.

There was a missed opportunity at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale at Karaka as one of the passed in yearlings was Charmont, winner of the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Rapa on Saturday.