Te Akau Sunday Update

David writes:

This past week Karyn and I have been on the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions' National Broodmare Sale, where we had seven mares entered in the sale. 

It was pleasing to see six sell under the hammer, and the seventh mare Campionessa, who was passed in, has since been sold too. It was important to us to do everything we could to achieve the very best return for our ownership groups, and overall we are happy with the results. It’s fair to say the broodmare sale was extremely strong, with serious buying interest from right around the globe.

As soon as the hammer fell on the broodmare sale, our attention turned to the Magic Millions' National Yearling Sale, which starts on Monday. We arrived with our online pedigree and video research completed and over the past few days, I’ve been out inspecting yearlings with our new Racing Manager Michael Grey, Bloodstock Manager Marcus Corban, and our two senior veterinarians Dr Douglas Black and Dr Jack O’Brien. They’re here on site with us, playing a vital role in physically assessing each yearling that makes our shortlist – they check the horse’s conformation, go through x-rays and scopes, and offer expert insights into any red flags or areas of concern.

We’re very firm believers in doing the homework – we are always fastidious in this. Every yearling we buy is thoroughly vetted before we even consider raising our hand. You might’ve wondered, “Why didn’t Te Akau buy that colt or filly?” – and quite often, the answer is that the horse didn’t meet our veterinary or physical standards. We take that process very seriously.

We have purchased some very good horses from this sale over the years – unearthing some top-class talent, including Group 1 winners Princess Coup and Costa Viva, who also both went on to be crowned NZB Filly of the Year, along with horses like Tell A Tale, Integrate, and many more.

On Thursday we also made a purchase at the Inglis Online Sale, securing a lovely staying type named St Vincent’s Garden. He’s a 5YO gelding by Camelot that trainer Mark Walker identified. The horse really caught his eye, and we’re thrilled to say that his shares sold out in under 24 hours – a real show of confidence from our owners. He’ll head to our Cranbourne stable, and we believe that a change in environment and training regime could really work the oracle for him.

Speaking of demand – it’s just incredible how strong the interest has remained in the yearlings we’ve purchased this year. Out of the 70 horses we’ve bought in recent months, shares have continued to sell exceptionally well, and we’re still seeing daily purchases. Many of these horses are now broken in and showing very promising signs, with some clear early two-year-old types among them.

So, if you’re thinking about joining in – don’t be put off by what we call the “last one to sell” syndrome! Often, those last-to-sell horses have gone on to be real stars. Head to our 'Yearlings & Shares' page, and if something catches your eye, send Karyn an email. She’ll be happy to send you the latest training updates and videos.

Back in the stable, it’s a buzzing time. Our top-class horses are starting to filter back into training – including the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas' winner Captured By Love, as well as Group 1 performer Hostility, and unbeaten Group 1 colt Return To Conquer, who’s now safely in Australia to prep for an exciting winter campaign from our Cranbourne base.

We had a terrific Thursday on both sides of the Tasman. At Riccarton, our owners celebrated three wins,  with Corps D'Elite, Porcia Catonis and Beau Brummell all saluting the judge. The team also recorded three second placings, as well as a third placing – consistent and strong results from our South Island base. 

Our South Island based Assistant Trainer Hunter Durrant and our Riccarton team are doing an outstanding job. With just 18 horses in work (sometimes up to 25), we are leading the South Island premiership, which is a huge effort. That result really speaks to the hard work, horsemanship, and attention to detail from Hunter and the whole crew. We’re very proud of them.

Meanwhile in Victoria, our gutsy filly Stage ‘N’ Screen won again, showing real fight and determination at Pakenham. She looked beaten but just wouldn’t give in, she showed real heart and determination. She’s an Ace High filly I bought at the Ready to Run Sale, and after trialling up well and winning her first start in Australia, she’s now backed it up with another strong win. That's her in the main picture, after being unsaddled on Thursday.

We also had a very proud moment on Saturday seeing Cool Archie, a son of our former Champion 2YO Cool Aza Beel, winning the A$1 million Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm. That’s now four wins in a row, and over A$1 million in prize money from just eight starts – what a horse he is! His last three wins have been a Listed race and two Group 2 victories – and it was great timing that his race was run just before the meeting was abandoned at Eagle farm. Congratulations to his owner Max Whitby – that was a very well-deserved result.

Today, one of the real warriors of the stable, Leaderboard, added another brave performance to his long resume. He ran second in the prestigious Australian Steeplechase, showing all of the heart and grit we’ve come to expect from him. He never gives in. With 11 wins, nine seconds, and eight thirds, he’s now amassed over $620,000 for his Fortuna ownership team. He really has been an incredible horse for everyone involved, and it’s so special to still see him loving his work and performing at that level.

Staying with news from Australia, we’re thrilled to see how well Move To Strike is being received in Victoria, where he’s standing this season at Lovatsville. He’s a striking individual, and we’re excited to see what lies ahead as he embarks on this next chapter as a stallion.

Back on the home front, we’ve had some brilliant rain at the farm, and the grass is absolutely flying – it’s like spring growth in autumn, which is a huge boost heading into winter. We’ve just finished scanning the ewes, and I’ll let you know next time what our lambing percentage looks like – always a really exciting moment for any sheep farmer.

Good luck to all of our owners with runners this week – we’re keeping a close eye on the figures! With $8,951,985 already won this season for our owners in New Zealand alone – we are so proud to achieve these results for everyone who support us.  This is already a new domestic stakes' record – so we’re just a whisker away from cracking $9 million. It’ll be very special to see who takes us over the line and makes NZ racing history in the process.

GO THE TANGERINE