Te Akau Midweek Update

David writes:

We spent the morning unloading yearlings that arrived from both the Karaka Sale and the Magic Millions Sale, and I have to say, it is always one of the most enjoyable times of the year. 

There is something very special about seeing so many magnificent young yearlings arriving, stretching their legs, and settling into the lush, green paddocks at Te Akau Stud - it really does give you a tremendous sense of excitement for the future.

Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie was another wonderful occasion. It was very pleasing to see Te Akau win the $250,000 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy with Belle Cheval for David Archer, Diane Wright (main picture) and family - we are very grateful that they entrusted their Savabeel filly to us.  She has already secured a slot in the $4 million NZB Kiwi in March, so very exciting times await.

Te Akau has now won the Almanzor Trophy six times, most recently previously with Maven Belle in 2023 - and with the likes of sires Burgundy and Sword Of State.

While we didn’t have any luck in the 2YO Karaka Millions, I thought Out Of The Blue was particularly unlucky, missing the start but still recording some of the best sectionals in the race, which gives us plenty of confidence going forward. We were also proud to finish second and third in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO race with He Who Dares and last year's Millions 2YO winner La Dorada, again highlighting the depth and quality across our team.

The weather on race night was frustrating at times, but it reminded us how much foresight there was in installing the Strathayr surface at Ellerslie - that weather unfortunately continued to bucket down for much of the Karaka Sales, which started on Sunday.

I thought the Karaka Sale was a real success and a great result for the New Zealand breeding industry. For the 100th National Yearling Sale Series, it was wonderful to see such strong international support. Buyers travelled from all over the world, including William Haggas – one of the great trainers from England – along with most of the major Australian players, which speaks volumes about the global regard for New Zealand-bred horses.

In total we purchased 21 yearlings at Karaka and 15 yearlings at the Magic Millions' sale the week before - looking at them every day on the farm, it's easy to feel really excited about the months and years ahead, there is just so much quality and depth to be seen - real athletes, superb pedigrees, young horses the whole team was determined to bring home.

All of these yearlings are on our website under "Yearlings & Shares" - be sure to check them out as shares are selling fast and interest is high. I don't think you would find such a selection of quality yearlings anywhere, and we are very proud to be offering them to new owners and to our existing, loyal ownership family.

One of the real highlights for me this year was seeing my granddaughter successfully bid on a yearling for the first time, and also watching my daughter Julia-Rose step in and purchase her second horse for the Tangerine Army Syndicate. It is incredibly rewarding to see the next generation so passionate about the industry, and to watch them embrace the process with such enthusiasm. Racing truly is a family game, and moments like that remind you just how special it is.

I talked about the inclement weather that hit Karaka Millions' night and parts of the Karaka Sale - but the upside is what it has done for the farm. Can you believe 156 mls for January and the month is not over yet!  I genuinely cannot remember seeing it this green at this time of year.

I have never seen grass growth like this at the end of January in my more than 40 years of farming. The farm is absolutely thriving and looking incredible – it is quite remarkable and a huge positive for both our horses and livestock.

Yesterday we sent a unit of steers to Greenlea for processing and today we sent another unit. With the rain and improved conditions, store cattle prices have risen dramatically and we are now paying over $2,000 for yearling cattle to replace those we are selling. The good news for farmers is that lamb prices remain very strong, and the wool price has increased substantially. For the first time in a long time, we are actually going to make some money out of wool, which is very encouraging.

I would encourage you to have a look at the yearlings we have purchased, which are all listed on our website with the pedigree, video and description of every horse. You are very welcome to give me a call at any time on 021 925 151, or email Karyn at [email protected]

You will be made to feel most welcome, and we are always happy to answer any questions.

On Saturday we have four runners at Trentham and four at Ellerslie, so best of luck to our owners with horses racing. We have some very exciting horses to step out over the next month, and with stakes at record levels, it is certainly a wonderful and exciting time to be involved in the racing industry.