Te Akau Shark Attacks his 1st Group 1

In another league, Te Akau Shark  (5 g Rip Van Winkle - Bak da Chief, by Chief Bearhart) took his earnings over one-million dollars when produced a stunning performance to win the $200,000 BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) on Saturday at Te Rapa.

A year after Te Akau won the race with reigning Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands), providing trainer Jamie Richards with his 50^thstakes winner, and previously with stallions Xtravagant (Pentire) and Darci Brahma (Danehill), Te Akau Shark made the $1.40 win price look lucrative as he swamped his rivals.

Looking every bit a Group One contender, here and in Australia, after winning the Coupland's Bakeries Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) by six lengths, Te Akau Shark finished a nose second in the Epsom Handicap (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Randwick, before a terrific third in the $5m Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) at Moonee Valley, during his spring campaign in Australia, and, now, rightfully has Group One spoils.

“When they straightened, he changed legs and exploded, I thought that was pretty good,” Richards said. “He's the best we've had, I think. He'll go to Australia, now, and be competitive in whatever we run him in.” 

Richards had said previously that Te Akau Shark is scheduled a three-pronged campaign in Sydney, including the Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 29 February on Randwick, George Ryder Stakes (Gr. 1, 1500m) on 21 March at Rosehill, and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) on 11 April at Randwick.

“He's a naturally fit horse and he doesn't take a lot,” Richards said. “He's (race) once a month at the most and our preparation now is once every three weeks. So, he was pretty ready today and we know what he's capable of. I'd really like to get him back to Australia, and knock off one of those good races because I certainly think he deserves one.

“I'd like to thank Scott Lucock and Mette Mosebo who look after him in the colt barn at home. Dave (Ellis) has got some wonderful owners in the horse, including the boys here that have made their way over from Australia (Steve Mace, Chris Russell, Greg Taylor, and Matt Allenby) and it's great for racing.

“It's great to get a Group One for the horse, because he deserves it, and well done to Opie (Bosson). He gave him a super ride and it does make his job a bit easier.”

Showing his liking for the course, having impressed winning on debut and closing hard for second fresh-up in the Foxbridge Plate (Gr. 2, 1200m) this season, both in the fastest last 600m of the day, Te Akau Shark was ridden with immense confidence by Opie Bosson. Content to be standing the leader eight lengths at the 600m, he simply went into overdrive once asked to extend in the straight and won easing down by two and three-quarter lengths. 

On footing that received glowing reports throughout the day, Te Akau Shark ran the 1400 metres in a slick 1:21.7, last 600m in 33.8.

Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased Te Akau Shark for $230,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock 2016 Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Lyndhurst Farm. He is the winner of six from 11 and prize money of $1,014,468.

“What a win and what a thrill for us,” said visiting owner Chris Russell. “Now get him to Sydney and let's win one there as well. “He's shown enough. His Cox Plate run was huge from the draw and we think he's got a bit better, looking at him. We're having the time of our life with this horse. It's great to get a Group One off the back and the horse looked amazing.”

“Nothing like this happens without sponsors, administration, and good leadership,” added Steve Mace. “Dave, Karyn, Jamie, thank you for an amazing day. We absolutely love the thrill we get out of this environment.”

Chairman Karyn Fenton-Ellis (MNZM) said: “This is one of the leading races on the New Zealand calendar and it's easy to see why. It remains one of the countries truly iconic Group One events and some on our very best gallopers have won the race: Courier Bay (twice), Poetic Prince, Mr Tiz, Veandercross, ‘the mare of the world' Sunline (twice), Darci Brahma, Seachange, Mufhasa, Xtravagant, and Melody Belle.”

“It's a great thrill to win this race again with such a fantastic horse,” said David Ellis, on behalf of the owners. “I'd like to congratulate my fellow owners for supporting Jamie (Richards) and me and investing in this horse. And to all our owners at Te Akau Racing, you're the true champions of our industry that put the show on week after week. So, thank you all very much. 

“Jamie has done a great job preparing this horse. It's not easy to bring a horse to the races, in a Group One race, that hasn't raced since October and win first-up like that. It's a wonderful achievement and I'd like to thank all our staff at Te Akau Racing.”

A strong chestnut, Te Akau Shark appears to have inherited the colouring and markings in keeping with progeny by his dam-sire Chief Bearhart (Chief's Crown), a Canadian stallion that won 12 of his 26 starts. One of his best racing progeny was 2006 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Shikoba, trained at Te Akau by Mark Walker. 

Te Akau Shark was strapped by Craig Thornton.

“Te Akau Shark was strapped by one of New Zealand's most famous horseman, Craig Thornton,” Ellis said. “He's won races as a rider in America, Europe, Australia, Japan, won three or four Great Northern Steeplechases, and we're very proud to have him in our team.”

Footnote: Earlier in the day, David and Karyn sponsored the $100,000 David & Karyn Ellis Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m), for three-year-old fillies, formerly known as the Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic. The race is part of the (48^th) New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series. 

Together sporting an association with the club for over 35 years, David has been the Chairman and Karyn now the current Chairman, and sponsoring the time-honoured event is a measure of their commitment for many years to come.

The race was won by Jennifer Eccles (3 f Rip Van Winkle - Platinum Elle, by Elnadim) and trainer Shaune Ritchie said: “I think the race is worthy of Group One status. The fillies that have won have all been Group One horses, so let's hope it can progress.”

“Special congratulations to the track manager, here at Te Rapa,” winning rider Jason Waddell said. “David and Karyn, thank you for taking over the sponsorship of this race. It's been a race I've been dying to win for a few years.”

“We'd like to thank the Waikato Racing Club very much for allowing us to sponsor this race,” said David Ellis. “It's terrific to see so many owners here enjoying the experience.”

In addition, David and Karyn presented a trophy to the winning strapper (Colin) together with a $500 cash prize. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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