Te Akau Is Ready To Run!

Today marks the kickoff of the NZB Ready To Run Sale of 2YOs, and it's truly invigorating to be back at the bustling atmosphere of the Karaka sales' complex. Our quest for the next champion has kept us busy, and the unique allure of this sale lies in the potential for our selected horses to hit the tracks as early as March/April next year.

Over the past few weeks, the team has diligently reviewed breeze ups and conducted thorough inspections. David Ellis CNZM and Mark Walker, accompanied by Marcus Corban and our racing manager Reece Trumper, are currently at Karaka, meticulously curating a shortlist of horses that have piqued our interest.

If any of our purchases today or tomorrow catch your discerning eye, reach out to us directly via email or DM on our social media channels. You can also engage with us through our LIVE chat, accessible through the small tangerine bubble on the front page of our website. The team is poised to respond promptly, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].

Explore all available opportunities on our Yearlings & Shares page: www.teakauracing.com/yearlings-shares/

Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM has a wonderful record buying horses at the Ready to Run Sale - Group 1 winners Gingernuts, Hall Of Fame, and Te Akau Shark, along with Champion Singapore Polytrack Horse of the Year Flying Fulton. He's also purchased stakes' winners Amalfi Prince, Brando, Star Of Bombay, Royal Success, Fierce Flight, and other multiple winners Axel (who has earned over $500,000 in Singapore), Shezathinka, and Phantom Witness, to name a few. 

In a standout feat, Ellis purchased only two horses at the 2015 RTR Sale and quite incredibly both Gingernuts and Hall Of Fame became Group One winners.

Gaining cult status, Gingernuts was known to all that followed racing and many on the periphery too. At three, he was herculean winning the Group 2 Avondale Guineas and topped that winning the Group 1 New Zealand Derby. He also won the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and recorded his third Group 1 in the Windsor Park Plate. Unfortunately, injury curtailed his career after winning six of 12 starts, but he still enjoys the life of Riley at Te Akau Stud.

Hall Of Fame was also bought by Ellis in 2015 and made his mark winning the Group 1 Levin Classic. Sold to Hong Kong, where winning the HKJC Group 3 Premier Plate, he amassed over NZ$2.1 million in his 11 career wins.

At the 2016 RTR Sale another star emerged when Ellis purchased Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle). After winning the Group 2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile by six lengths, he finished second in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap in Sydney and was a terrific third in the Group 1 A$5 million Cox Plate.

Te Akau Shark was in another league, and took his earnings over $1 million when producing a stunning performance to win the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint and ramped it up a notch to win his next start in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes in Sydney) beating star mare Verry Eleegant who finished second.  Te Akau Shark recorded seven wins from 14 starts, earning $1.5 million in prize money.

A really good crop came from the 2017 RTR Sale, including winner of nine in Singapore Axel, six-time winner Broadway Success, dual winners Total Excess and Shezathinka (stakes' placed), Spirit Of Galway, You’re Welcome and the white horse Luminous.

Ellis bought impressive four-time winner Star Of Bombay in 2018, who included the Listed Mufhasa Stakes on her victory CV.

The following year, 2019, gave rise to Brando (Savabeel), winner of nine to date including the Group 2 Japan Trophy, Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup, Listed Uncle Remus Stakes and who has been twice Group 1 placed. Talented galloper Maasir won three and five time winning sprinter Our Secret Weapon also came from this sale. 

From 2020, Amalfi Prince won the Group 3 Manawatu Classic, Fierce Flight was runner-up in the Listed New Zealand St Leger before winning the Listed Hawkes Bay Cup, Zeitaku and Pure Imagination each won three, and Ragamuffin has won twice to date.

The purchases in 2021 has included impressive Listed Oaks' Prelude winner Family Ties; winner and Group 2 Waikato Guineas placed Savoir Faire, already a winner from our Te Akau stable at Cranbourne; impressive debut winner Sealed With A Kiss, and talented three time winner Inca Belle (Per Incanto).

From the sale last year and recently turned three-year-olds, Vivacious (Dundeel) debuted with a notable third on 3 November at Te Aroha, with others trialled and preparing to race.

With 10-time Champion Trainer Mark Walker back in the fold, who set a record-breaking 203 wins last season and who is now training in partnership with Sam Bergerson, Te Akau is casting a close eye on this week's offerings.

They have established the shortlist, and are ready for action. 

For those in the Auckland area, we extend an invitation to join us today or Thursday. You're sure to receive a warm welcome. Reach out to us through a message or give David a call at 021 925151.

What are you waiting for? Join Team Te Akau today and be part of the excitement!