Te Akau is Ready to Run

The much-anticipated NZB Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs has officially begun, and there’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere at Karaka. This iconic sale marks a unique opportunity for racing enthusiasts and owners to secure two-year-olds that are ready to debut on the racetrack in just a few months. With the possibility of seeing them run as early as March or April, the sale is a gateway to some of the most exhilarating moments in racing. 

 For Te Akau Racing, this event is a pivotal part of our calendar. Over the past few weeks, our team has been tirelessly working behind the scenes—studying breeze-ups, reviewing pedigrees, and conducting thorough inspections. Under the sharp eye of David Ellis CNZM, Mark Walker, Marcus Corban, and racing manager Reece Trumper, we’ve shortlisted a group of standouts that are poised to become future stars. 

The team is on the ground today, ready to secure horses that will uphold Te Akau’s reputation for excellence. 

 From five purchases at last year's sale in November 2023, we have already celebrated winners from the Te Akau stable at Cranbourne (Victoria): Our Paramour, Stage ‘n’ Screen and Truth Or Dare, while High Roller and Shockabella both trialled nicely earlier this week at Waipa. 

Te Akau does not buy large numbers from this sale, yet in the last 12 months, Te Akau's Ready to Run record has seen 19 individual winners record 31 victories - for example Darci Brahma gelding Malmaison, purchased from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, has won four races since June this year!

Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson have also guided Vivacious, Fierce Flight, El Viento, Inca Belle, Family Ties, Can’t Kach Me, Merlotti, Bello Mio into the winner's circle in New Zealand; in Australia, Savoir Faire, Truth or Dare, Star 'N' Screen and Our Paramour have saluted, as Axel, Our Secret Weapon, Commander, China Pearl and Elliot Ness landed in the winners' circle in Singapore.

- A Record of Remarkable Success - 

 Te Akau Racing has long been synonymous with success at the Ready to Run Sale. David Ellis CNZM has an enviable track record of identifying horses with the potential to reach the pinnacle of racing. Over the years, this sale has produced a wealth of Group and stakes-winning champions, many of whom have become household names in the industry. 

 - Group One Heroes - 

Some of our greatest triumphs have come from this sale, including: 

- Gingernuts (Iffraaj): Purchased at the 2015 RTR Sale, this cult hero captured the hearts of racing fans with his stunning victories. He claimed the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) and Rosehill Guineas (Gr. 1, 2000m) as a three-year-old, followed by a dominant win in the Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m). Injury may have curtailed his career, but Gingernuts’ legacy lives on as he enjoys his retirement at Te Akau Stud. 

- Hall Of Fame (Savabeel): A 2015 purchase, Hall Of Fame made his mark with a memorable win in the Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) before continuing his success in Hong Kong, including a victory in the Premier Plate (Gr. 3, 1800m). 

- Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle): A standout from the 2016 sale, Te Akau Shark dazzled with Group One wins on both sides of the Tasman, including the Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m). He also claimed the BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) and earned a devoted following thanks to his electrifying performances. 

- Stakes Stars and Consistent Performers - 

Beyond Group One winners, Te Akau’s Ready to Run graduates have included: 

- Brando (Savabeel): A nine-time winner, including the Japan Trophy (Gr. 2, 1600m) and Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr. 2, 2000m). 

- Amalfi Prince (Sebring): Winner of the Manawatu Classic (Gr. 3, 2000m). 

- Fierce Flight (Flying Artie): A Hawke’s Bay Cup (Listed, 2200m) victor and consistent performer. 

- Family Ties (Contributer): Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m) winner and Gr. 2-placed talent.

 
Multiple winners like Zeitaku (Savabeel), Ragamuffin (Belardo), and Broadway Success (Alamosa), among others.


 - Recent Purchases Already Delivering - 

 From just five purchases at the 2023 Ready to Run Sale, we’re already seeing fantastic results: 

- Our Paramour (Contributer), Stage ‘n’ Screen (Ace High), and Truth Or Dare (Vanbrugh) have all won in Australia, showcasing their promise early in their careers a big mention to Stage ‘n’ Screen who did line up in the 1000 Guineas in Australia and ran 4th on Melbourne Cup Day.
High Roller (Ace High) and Shockabella (Shocking) are showing excellent potential, having trialled well ahead of their upcoming debuts. 

David Ellis reflected on these successes:

“It’s great to see these Ready to Run Sale horses performing so well. They’re proving their worth on the track, and I’m excited to bring home more exceptional prospects this year.” 

- Uncovering Hidden Gems - 

One of the hallmarks of Te Akau Racing is our ability to uncover hidden gems at this sale. From purchasing just two horses in 2015—Gingernuts and Hall Of Fame, both of whom became Group One winners—to finding diamonds like Te Akau Shark and Star Of Bombay, the Ready to Run Sale has delivered time and again. 

The sale also allows for 'quick gratification'. With two-year-olds already well-educated from their breeze-ups, they’re primed to hit the ground running and bring owners into the winner’s circle quickly. 

- Get Involved Today - 

The Ready to Run Sale is your chance to become part of the Te Akau Racing family. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s no better time to experience the thrill of racing with Te Akau. 

You can tune in from as early as 10.30am (NZT) prior to the Sale.

The format will provide a live stream over the two days of selling with all the action in the ring captured and more from around the grounds. 

The Sale will be also be televised live in New Zealand on Freeview Channel 200, Sky Channel 64, as well as on NZB’s website, online bidding platform and Facebook page. 

 You can tune in from as early as 10.30am (NZT) prior to the Sale to catch the daily preview show hosted by presenter Michael Guerin, with the review show also being broadcast at the closure of selling each day. 

To view the live broadcast online, visit nzb.co.nz and click on the Sale link. This will bring you to the catalogue and live video stream, where results will be updated instantly during the Sale.

The action can also be viewed from the live stream on NZB’s Facebook page: facebook.com/NewZealandBloodstock.

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Contact Us: If you’re interested in one of our purchases, reach out via email at [email protected] or send us a DM on our social media channels. You can also connect with us through the Live Chat feature on our website. 

- Explore Opportunities - 

Visit our Yearlings & Shares page at www.teakauracing.com/yearlings-shares/ to view current opportunities. Join us on this exciting journey as we uncover the next wave of champions at the NZB Ready to Run Sale. With Te Akau Racing, your dream of owning a racehorse is just a step away.