Lascia Star | A Shining Star in the Making

Lascia Star caught the eye of Fiona Whife at her final race, and a week later, was picked up to begin her new life as an intended broodmare. However, after having Lascia Star (stable name Stella) as a companion for Fiona’s previous hack around the stables, the decision was made that she would make a fine show horse and her broodmare duties were put on hold.

Stella began the process of transitioning from racehorse to show horse slowly, proving to be a sensitive and nervous mare who required time to process. Due to this slow approach, Stella has grown in confidence and is now thriving in her new show horse career.

“She is an absolute darling horse and has developed from a nervous mare into a loving and gentle horse who just wants to please,” said Fiona fondly.

Now educated and ridden by show rider, Lauren King, Stella has begun to have great success in the show ring.

“She is a credit to Laurens calm ability to get the best from her,” commented Fiona.

Shown as Petite Etoile, which translates to “Little Star”, Stella began her showing career with the aim to gain confidence as she progressed. Placing third at her second show, a national qualifier with young rider, Chloe Versteegan on board, Fiona was thrilled with Stella’s performance. She followed up this success with winning Runner Up Small Show Hack at the Show Horse Council Classic, qualifying for Grand Nationals in Sydney in her first year of showing. Fiona credits this as her greatest accomplishment so far with Stella.

Stella then went onto win third once more at the Show Horse Council Horse of the Year Off the Track Event with Lauren King on board and won Supreme Thoroughbred exhibit at both Riverside Breed show and EWA Autumn Pageant. Most recently, Stella and Lauren were sashed the 2023 Off the Track WA Thoroughbred Classic winners at the 2023 SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular.

Fiona and connections to Stella could not be prouder of Lascia Star. They currently aim to show her on the East Coast, hoping to qualify for Sydney Royal as it is a dream of Fiona’s to have her compete in the Crane Trophy, a class specific to Thoroughbred mares. Following on to this, Fiona hopes to breed from Stella, crossing her to a riding pony stallion potentially.

“Her sister by Playing God is doing well on the track, so who knows, we may get a thoroughbred out of her and race it. Never say never!” Fiona joked.