Te Akau Season of Success - Inaugural $3.5m NZB Kiwi - Blooming Great

On the biggest day in New Zealand's racing history, not only did Te Akau celebrate its historic 100th Group 1 win courtesy of Return To Conquer - but the 'conquering' continued with Damask Rose defying all to claim the inaugural $3.5 Million NB Kiwi ...

In a performance that will be remembered for decades, Damask Rose (3 f Savabeel – Sombreuil, by Flying Spur) soared to the very pinnacle of New Zealand racing by capturing the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (Restricted Listed, 1500m) on Champions Day, 8 March at Ellerslie. The richest race ever staged in New Zealand demanded a star to rise to the occasion - and this beautifully bred filly delivered in sensational fashion.

The journey to this landmark victory began well before the gates opened. 

At the Slot Auction held on 27 February 2024 at Karaka, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM boldly invested $675,000 to secure a three-year entry to this groundbreaking event. That strategic move set the stage for Damask Rose. 

Once selected to represent the stable, Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson crafted a flawless campaign, mapping her path with precision, and she arrived at Ellerslie brimming with confidence after her dominant win in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (Restricted Listed, 1600m) just weeks earlier.

In the days preceding the event, Te Akau's Marketing & Social Media Manager Julia Rose Hayes had smashed the 'golden egg' to reveal barrier 8 for the exciting filly.

Champions' Day 2025 was already shaping as one for the history books, with Te Akau Racing celebrating our 100th Group One victory courtesy of Return To Conquer in the $550,000 Group 1 Sistema Stakes. Yet, Damask Rose’s triumph in the Kiwi would prove to be the crowning jewel - the stable's third win on this unprecedented $8.2 million stakes' day.

Strikingly presented and primed to perfection, Damask Rose entered the barriers with a quiet confidence. When the gates flew open, she was allowed to settle at the tail of the field in what was a fiercely run 14-horse contest. 

At the 600m, she still had the leader well over 10 lengths ahead. But when the moment came, she found the perfect pathway - a phenomenal dream run along the rail - and unleashed an electrifying turn of foot. In a matter of strides, she stormed past her rivals and sprinted clear, sealing the deal with authority to win by one and a half lengths.

Once again, Melbourne premiership-winning jockey Blake Shinn was the man in the saddle. Having already guided her to Karaka Millions' glory and also piloted stable star Return To Conquer on the same card, Shinn showcased all his class to time the run to perfection.

On Soft5 footing, Damask Rose stopped the clock at 1:29.9 for the 1500 metres, with a sharp final 600m in 35.2 seconds. She was heavily backed in the lead-up, firming from $8.00 to pay $5.20 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote - a clear sign that punters shared the stable’s belief in her brilliance.

This outstanding filly carries a pedigree as golden as her achievements. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000 from the draft of Milan Park at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, Damask Rose is raced by the Te Akau Coming Up Roses Racing Partnership (managed by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). 

By the mighty Savabeel (Zabeel) - a Cox Plate winner and ten-time Champion Sire - she is out of Sombreuil, a mare by Golden Slipper-winning sire Flying Spur (Danehill). Her bloodlines trace back to Te Akau Rose (Thorn Park), a Matamata Breeders’ Stakes winner also purchased by Ellis, and part of the renowned Alberton family known for producing Group One winners Brutal (O’Reilly) and Wyndspelle (Iffraaj).

Damask Rose embodies the best of her lineage. Her powerful genetic crosses to legendary sires Sir Ivor, Nureyev, and Northern Dancer add to the depth that fuels her performances.

Now a winner of four races from just seven starts, with over $2.2 million in prizemoney banked, Damask Rose stands as a beacon for what is possible in New Zealand racing’s new era. She is scheduled for a jump out soon at Cranbourne - where she has relocated for a Spring campaign - as the stable continues to dream big with this exceptional filly who has already stamped her name in the history books.