Te Akau Midweek Update

David writes:

Karyn tells me it is a beautiful day on the farm today and we are busy again - some horses are coming to spell after Tuesday's trials and we have some racehorses ready to return to the stable today to begin their new preparations.

Even though the worst days of winter are undoubtedly yet to come - the weather so far has been beautiful and mild which is great for both farm and horses.  We have had two cracking frosts in the past month and nice, warm rain - otherwise we are faring pretty well.

It is hard to believe that Spring racing is now only two months away - by the time we get to August it will Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate day - a day traditonally where some of racing's higher graded horses make their new reappearance.  Then of course the Taupo trials always herald the start of the new season ahead.

August will be a busy month - everyone will be back refreshed from a break (Karyn and I intend to have a couple of weeks somewhere warmer)- that includes our horses!  The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Awards will again be staged in Hamilton with Karyn agreeing (she says for the last time) to be MC.  I think she has been MC for about 13 or 14 of them now.

The awards are on a Thursday night and we will be honoured to celebrate Costa Viva formally receiving her trophy and prize as NZB Filly of the Year - a nice $50,000 bonus for her owners is included.  She is Te Akau's fifth Filly of the Year - we are hugely proud of our record in this prestigious series - no other stable has won the series more than once.

Then on the Friday, the Waikato Racing Club will have its inaugural Foxbridge Cocktail Party - an event to "Celebrate the New Season" - there will be a special guest - and on the Saturday of course the raceday.

In New Zealand, Te Akau can reflect on a brilliant 2013/14 season - Jason and his team have really set the bar high with top flight results. Te Akau traditionally has not raced many horses over winter so you will see fewer starters but wait until you see the horsepower waiting in the new season wings!

In this season with about seven more weeks to run, Jason has led the Premiership for most of the year and still lies in second position.  Amongst our wins, seven at Group and Listed level and the litmus test - our strike rate - has been first class which is not easy for a major stable.  It does underline the skill and talent of our whole team led by Jason and Pam.

Today I am very much looking forward to the yearling sale at the Magic Millions venue - it will be interesting to observe the strength of this sale following the record breaking broodmare sale last week.

One thing for sure - I do not intend to simply be an observer at this sale, I intend to be a participant - so watch our website!  I have bought Group 1 horses such as Integrate, Tell A Tale, Princess Coup and Costa Viva out of this sale, the latter two both NZB Fillies of the Year.

If you are interested in being involved in a share in a Gold Coast yearling be sure to contact Karyn straight away as our shares sell quicker than you know!  We hate having disappointed owners - email [email protected] - she will look after you or call me +64 21 925151.