Te Akau Spotlight On The TAB Karaka Millions Card - 3YO Karaka Millions Ready
18 January, 2026
It’s that time of year again!
We’re just days away from the TAB Karaka Millions at Ellerslie, and the stage is set once more for Team Te Akau as we turn our attention to the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO.
Arguably the best night on the racing calendar, the Karaka Millions has delivered some of our owners most unforgettable racing moments - and few shine brighter than last year’s star, Damask Rose, who after the Millions' 3YO victory went on to claim the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi, confirming her place among the elite.
The belle of the ball in 2025, Damask Rose stormed through the 3YO Millions to cap off a magical night for the stable, completing the coveted Karaka Millions’ double and etching her name into Te Akau history. A performance of class, patience and poise - exactly what the Millions are made of.
That victory added yet another chapter to Te Akau’s remarkable legacy in this race. Over the years, we’ve built an unmatched record at the Karaka Millions, with victories across both the 2YO and 3YO features, multiple quinellas and trifectas, and moments that have defined generations of racing fans.
Among the standouts is the exceptional Probabeel - the first and only horse in history to win both the Karaka Millions 2YO and 3YO, a feat that remains unmatched. More recently, Pin Me Up added her name to the honour roll with victory in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic, further cementing Te Akau’s dominance on this stage.
We are also proudly:
- The only stable to have won both the 2YO and 3YO Karaka Millions on the same night - achieved three times.
- The only stable to have prepared a horse to win both races, courtesy of Probabeel. This year our Group 1 winning Champion 2YO La Dorada aims to follow in those footsteps.. and now… we go again!
Let’s hear it for our TAB Karaka Millions 3YO runners:
- La Dorada (Super Seth (AUS) - Gold Fever (NZ) Bay Filly) - returning to Ellerslie chasing a rare Karaka Millions' double partnering with jockey Craig Williams once again.
Purchased from Waikato Stud $190,000 | Owner: Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) | Breeder: Chittick Investments Ltd & Waikato Stud Ltd
- He Who Dares ($825,000 Snitzel (AUS) - Rondinella (NZ) Bay Colt) - ready to take his shot on racings biggest stage with Opie Bosson a Karaka Millions veteran jockey on top.
Purchased from Haunui Farm $825,000 | Owner: Te Akau 2024 Karaka Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) | Breeder: Frantic Bloodstock Ltd & Haunui Bloodstock Ltd
Both selected by David Ellis CNZM from New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sales 2024.
With last year’s fairytale still fresh in the memory, and a new class ready to rise, the countdown is well and truly on. We wish all of our owners and connections all the best!
Same stage. Same stakes. Let the Millions' magic week begin!