Celebrating a Special Team

Te Akau principal David Ellis hosted a staff function on Friday evening at Matamata, celebrating a record season for the stable and announcing a change in the training department.

“In the first instance, the night is about celebrating 17 black type wins, a Te Akau record, amongst all the wins we've had this season and these results can only be achieved with the support of everyone we have here tonight,” Ellis said.

“We had five individual Group One winners and it's nice to be able to celebrate that success.

“While we've had a great season, there has also been some sadness because Steve & Lynley Autridge recently told me that they intend to slow down a bit next season and to train from their property on Banks Road (adjoining the racecourse). It was sad news to me because the success that Steve and Jamie (Richards) have had with you all has been quite unique.

“In total, they've had 42 black type wins in three years and if that's not an all-time record of a successful partnership then I don't know what is?

“I congratulate both Steve and Lynley on the wonderful job they've done at Te Akau Racing. When Steve started three years ago, he said: “Dave, I've got three ambitions: One, I want to win a Derby, two, I want to train 1000 winners, and three, I want to win a premiership”. And, remarkably, Steve and Jamie have achieved all three. It's quite incredible in the history of New Zealand racing that this partnership has been so successful.

“I always say that behind every successful man there is a successful woman, and Steve, you've got a champion in Lynley. Thank you very much for everything you've done for Te Akau Racing, Lynley, I'll remember the wonderful job that you've done. To Steve, this is the third occasion that you've been in my team. He first came and worked at Te Akau Stud in 1986 and it's been a very happy association. Steve has done remarkably well, been a great friend, top jockey, excellent judge of a horse, a gifted trainer, and a great person.”

Ellis announced that Jamie Richards would be taking over as trainer.

“Jamie will be running the stable, and my goal is to continue building on the record we've achieved and I've bought some lovely young horses in the last five months, all sold (very few horses left to sell), some of the best quality horses to ever be available to a stable in New Zealand and we look forward to working with them in the coming years.

“Steve and I are both very confident that Jamie will do a great job in the role.”

In reply, Autridge said: “I am sad to be leaving, but feel the team is in a great spot, and Lynley and I have appreciated everything that everyone in the team has done for us.

“Three years ago, Dave and Karyn asked me to join them and help get their team get back on track. They had invested a lot of money, but the results weren't quite there. It is every trainers dream to get their hands on such well bred horses and I was up for the challenge. I set my goals: premiership, Derby, 1000 winners, and with our third season nearly at an end my goals are complete and I'm very proud of this achievement. However, these achievements wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Jamie and all of you, here, backing us all the way.

“Your loyalty, support, and most importantly your dedication helped make my dreams come true. I thank each and every one of you for your input and hard work. It's a team effort and no trainer, no matter how good they are, can do it alone.

“I feel my job is now done and it's time to hand over the reins to Jamie. There are plenty of well bred young horses ready to put on the tangerine colours next season and I've no doubt the results will keep coming. Lynley and I would like to wish everyone all the best for the new season and once again, thank you for the thrills.”

Season highlights (2017-18):

Avantage (Fastnet Rock): Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) and Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m), Sword of Osman (Savabeel): Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) and Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m), Embellish (Savabeel): 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock): Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m), Gingernuts (Iffraaj): Windsor Park Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m), Splurge (Savabeel): Manawatu Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m), Royal Success (Savabeel): J Swap Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m), Chambord (Zabeel): Levin Stakes (Listed, 1200m), Al Hasa (Exceed and Excel): Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m), Chance To Dance (Teofilo): OMF Stakes (Gr. 3, 2000m) and Haunui Classic (Listed, 1600m), Grazia (Savabeel): Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m), Our Abbadean (Lookin' at Lucky): Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Travis Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m), Melody Belle (Commands): Mongolian Khan Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m).

“To say I'm proud of everyone here in making this achievement possible, is the greatest understatement of all time,” Ellis said. “Unfortunately, Karyn can't be here because she's just returned from London, but she especially wanted to me to pass on her congratulations to you all.”

Ellis added a special thanks to all the riders, throughout the season. Welcomed Suppy (Shafiq) back to the team after riding for Mark Walker in Singapore, and mentioned just how well he is riding and his outstanding strike rate on the Te Akau horses (12 wins, 8 placed, 28 rides). He also mentioned his appreciation of the efforts by the Te Akau apprentice jockeys.

“I think the future for Te Akau Racing is unbelievably exciting and I'll continue doing my best to buy the best horses possible, so that everyone can share in the thrills ahead,” Ellis concluded.