Te Akau Shines at Matamata Awards

Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce that our outstanding filly La Dorada has been named the Matamata Training Centre Champion 2YO of the Year for the 2024/25 season.

Over the years, these awards have quickly grown in stature and popularity, reflecting the pivotal role the Matamata Training Centre plays in New Zealand racing’s success. With hundreds of horses in work at the centre, competition for these accolades is strong, making La Dorada’s achievement especially meaningful.

La Dorada produced a remarkable juvenile season, beginning with her storming win in the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO in January. She then accomplished what no horse before her had: victory in the Group 2 J Swap Matamata Breeders’ Stakes in February, followed by a sensational 3.5-length triumph in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes in March. 

In doing so, she etched her name into the history books and stamped herself as one of the finest fillies of her generation.

It was also a memorable evening for the stable, with Te Akau’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson crowned Champion Trainers – another acknowledgement of their record-breaking season.

Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of La Dorada and her ownership group. To win the Karaka Millions, then back it up with Group 2 and Group 1 victories, is a phenomenal achievement. This award recognises her extraordinary season and the dedication of the entire team. 

“To see her honoured on the same night as Mark and Sam is incredibly special – it reflects the depth of talent in our stable and the importance of Matamata as a training base.”

Trainer Sam Bergerson added:

“La Dorada has been a dream filly to train. She improved with every preparation, and her Group 1 victory was the mark of a truly top-class horse. Now based with Mark (Walker) at our Cranbourne stable for a Spring campaign, we’re very excited about what’s to come as she heads into her three-year-old season.”

Super Seth filly La Dorada was purchased by David Ellis MNZM for $190,000 from the the draft of Waikato Stud at the Karaka Sale Book 1 last year.  In her five starts to date, she has recorded four wins and a second placing, already earning $1,060,750 in prizemoney.

The spotlight now turns to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Horse of the Year Awards on 7 September, where La Dorada has been nominated as one of two finalists for the NZTR Champion 2YO of the Year title - the other contender being her unbeaten stablemate Return To Conquer. 

Congratulations to La Dorada’s ownership group - her journey so far has been remarkable, and the future looks even brighter.