Autumn for Imperatriz Announced

Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce that 8-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz has returned to training.  

Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM has also confirmed when the star mare will be seen again in the Autumn.  

After a breathtaking, unbeaten run of Group success in Melbourne since April, the 5YO spelled in superb fashion.  

Imperatriz’s scintillating year means she has won more Group 1 titles (6) in 2023 than any other horse in the world.

Her 2023 highlights included (in chronological order):

- Group 1 ATR Sistema Railway Stakes - New Zealand

- Group 2 ATR Westbury Classic - New Zealand

- Group 1 BCD Group Waikato Sprint - New Zealand

- Group 1 MVRC Point Motors William Reid Stakes - Melbourne

- Group 2 MVRC Mitty's McEwen Stakes - Melbourne

- Group 1 MVRC Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes - Melbourne

- Group 1 MVRC Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes - Melbourne

- Group 1 VRC Darley Champions' Sprint - Melbourne

"After careful consideration, the decision has been made that Imperatriz will resume in the Group 1 VRC Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February 2024.  She will remain in Australia for her autumn campaign, thus will not be travelling to the Northern Hemisphere," said David Ellis CNZM.

"We have received a number of international approaches and invitations, and have worked diligently through the various options available to our special mare. Our guiding principle is to always make decisions based on what is right for Imperatriz and her continued well-being, and longevity, while maximising her further opportunities to win at the elite level.

"Once safely through the Lightning Stakes, Imperatriz will defend her Group 1 MVRC William Reid Stakes crown at The Valley and then contest the Group 1 ATC TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in April 2024. She will then return home to Te Akau Stud for a well deserved spell.

“Te Akau Racing, together with her owners, are very humbled by respect and huge support Imperatriz (Berri as we know her) has attracted. The warmth of the welcome wherever she steps out underlines how she has truly endeared herself to the public through her huge heart and will to win,” Ellis concluded.