A Fun Night - Thank You Team

Te Akau Racing held an informal function for our stable team on Wednesday evening in the Gazebo at Matamata Racecourse.

Te Akau principal David Ellis, recipient of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Racing' during the 2017 New Zealand Racing Awards on Sunday night in Auckland, addressed the staff.

“I just wanted to get you all together, while Mark (Walker) is back in the country for a few days, and say thank you to each and everyone for the hard work throughout last season and the great results that Te Akau Racing achieved. I really appreciate it and it doesn't happen without your efforts,” Ellis said.

“Steve (Autridge) and Jamie (Richards) led the Trainer's Premiership for stakes won, nearly three million for our owners, and included ten Group race and Listed race wins in a season tally of 72.

“Our focus last season was not just to win races but also shine at the top end, which we did in both New Zealand and Australia.

“I was thrilled that we were represented at the Racing Awards with finalists in Champion Two & Three Old, Champion Stayer, Horse of the Year, and Trainer of the Year categories. Gold Fever and Melody Belle were the two-year-olds, with Melody Belle being crowned Champion after a fantastic season that included winning the Karaka Million and Sires' Produce Stakes in both New Zealand and Brisbane. And our New Zealand Derby and Randwick Guineas winner Gingernuts did us proud when finishing a very close second in the Champion Three-Year-Old title and second in Horse of the Year, to a filly that was also named Horse of the Year.

All three finalists were purchased by David Ellis.

“It is not easy for any horse to reach the heights which they did and it is you: the stable-hands, track riders, jockeys, trainers, and admin. crew that help make it all happen.

“Mark and I had a look at the horses today with Steve and Jamie and with only a couple of weeks before we turn the corner and start getting better weather and tracks to race on I couldn't be happier with how they all looked.

“So, thank you all once again, from myself, Karyn (Fenton-Ellis), Mark, and on behalf of all the owners. We can't wait to get the team firing and see the tangerine colours winning races and I hope you all enjoy the season as much as we do.”

In conversation, when being congratulated on his recent award, Ellis said he remembered coming to a race meeting in 1972 at Matamata.

“You could hardly get a park and cars were stretched down the road as far as Blandford Lodge. If you'd told me then that I would be in line for an outstanding contribution to racing award I would have said I was a million to one, but it just goes to show you where hard work and passion can lead to,” he said.