Te Akau Monday Update

David writes:

Karyn and I arrived home from our winter holiday on late last week feeling refreshed, recharged and genuinely excited about the new season ahead.

While we were away, our wonderful teams at both Matamata, Riccarton, Cranbourne and Te Akau Stud did an outstanding job. Everything was in terrific order when we returned home, and it is always a wonderful feeling to come back and see the horses and farm looking so well. I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the care, dedication and pride they take in their work each and every day.

On Friday, Karyn and I had the privilege of attending a very special luncheon in Hamilton to honour the life of our great friend, Andrew (Butch) Castles, and to support his family, especially his and Tess' children Hunter and Frankie in the future. 

The event was a complete sell-out, with more than 320 people in attendance.  It was a very poignant occasion, with much sadness, but combined with stories, and legends, some no doubt embellished for the occasion - it was a day we will never forget.

Former NZ Black Cap, and broadcaster, Ian Smith was the master of ceremonies and, quite simply, I have never seen anyone do a better job. He was absolutely outstanding. It was a wonderfully fitting tribute to Butch, and to see approximately $350,000 raised for the Castles' family for an educational trust was both humbling and inspiring. It was a very special afternoon as I have said, and we felt extremely honoured to have been invited to be part of it.  We were also proud to supply the function with Te Akau lamb for the luncheon.

As can be the case in the racing industry and in life, it can be a rollercoaster and unfortunately, Saturday delivered one of the most severe thunderstorms I have ever experienced since living in the Waikato. The thunder was simply incredible, and storms like this are always a worry around horses, as they can become frightened and panic, especially in the pitch darkness.

Very sadly, one of our homebred yearlings suffered a broken leg during the storm and had to be humanely put to sleep. It was a heartbreaking outcome for everyone involved. Six other home-breds sustained only minor cuts and scrapes, and when we reflect on the severity of the storm, we know we were incredibly fortunate that the impact was not far worse. Our thoughts are very much with the owners of this young gelding, and especially too with everyone who cared for this lovely young horse, as losing one is something that never becomes any easier.  It breaks everyone's hearts.

Despite the colder than usual winter, the farm is looking magnificent for July. The grass has continued to grow well, and with record prices currently being achieved for both lamb and mutton, together with exceptionally strong beef prices, the outlook is very encouraging. Even wool has enjoyed a welcome lift in value, so all indications point towards a very positive season.

The five-year-old breeding ewes have also started lambing, with our first eight ewes producing an impressive 18 lambs. There are many more expected to arrive over the coming week - and with our first mares having headed away to prepare for foaling - it truly is an exciting time of the year.  

From a racing perspective, it has been another season of success for our owners and we are very proud of our team. So far this season we have purchased 43 yearlings and have only 15 horses with small shares available. We are welcoming new owners into the stable every day, which is tremendously encouraging.

I have often said that selling racehorses is much like running a successful shop - if you don't have quality products on the shelves, people will simply go elsewhere. Fortunately, we are in the enviable position of still having shares available in what I believe are some outstanding young horses.

It's also worth remembering that we didn't sell the final share in 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz until September, and nine-time Group 1 winner Avantage wasn't fully subscribed until October. I'm delighted with the significant re-investment from our existing owners, and to be welcoming many new owners to the Te Akau family too! We couldn't be happier with the quality of horses still available to prospective owners.

If you have been thinking about becoming involved in racehorse ownership, or perhaps adding another share exciting young horse to your racing portfolio, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to give me a call on 021 925 151, and we can have a chat about the opportunities currently available.  You can always email Karyn if that is easier - [email protected]

Congratulations must also go to our entire Te Akau New Zealand team on securing yet another Trainers' Premiership - our 17th.  Te Akau again won more races, more Group/Listed races and more prize money for our owners than any other New Zealand stable.  As I write, our strike rate of 5.83 is the best of the top 15 stables in the country. 

Achievements like this are only possible because of the outstanding people we have throughout our operation, and I couldn't be prouder of every member of our team.

We are especially grateful to our wonderful owners so support us so loyally and staunchly - you mean the world to us, and we will always strive to achieve success for you on the track.

We also train for private individuals and breeders which is sometimes overlooked. It was incredibly exciting to see Belle Cheval become the only New Zealand-trained horse to win a Group One race in Australia this season, taking out her Group One Vinery Stakes' victory in Sydney for owner/breeders David Archer and Diane Wright. It was a wonderful result and one that everyone associated with Te Akau thoroughly enjoyed celebrating.

Without question, I believe we currently have the strongest team Te Akau has ever assembled across our Matamata, Christchurch and Cranbourne stables, as well as the farm. Their professionalism, horsemanship and commitment to our owners and horses are second to none, and together we are all looking forward to what promises to be another exciting season.

As we farewell the 2025/26 season on 31 July - we thank you our owner and friends for your wonderful support. Our entire Te Akau team is so looking forward to sharing another exciting season with you all, starting on Saturday 1 August.