Te Akau Throwback Thursday! Kings Chapel

Kings Chapel was purchased at the Karaka Premier Sale by David Ellis for $35,000, King's Chapel won his first race at Avondale which was worth $27,500 and carried with it a $50,000 bonus. His next start was at Awapuni in a $150,000 race for colts and geldings where he beat stablemate Maroofity (who went on to be Champion 2YO of that year) providing a Mark Walker quinella.  King's Chapel then went on to win the $500,000 Mercedes Super Classique stylishly - the race that we know today as the Karaka Million.

As a 3YO King's Chapel won the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes at Ashburton, the Listed Guineas' Trial and the $300,000 Group 1 2000 Guineas. King's Chapel added the $100,000 Group 1 Telegraph Handicap to his name brilliantly extending his record to seven wins and two thirds from just 10 starts.  At the end of his 3YO season he was crowned Champion 3YO of the Year, Champion Sprinter/Miler of the Year and Horse of the Year.

Kings Chapel stood at Winsor Park Stud but following an approach from leading South African bloodstock agent Mark Tarry, New Zealand's Horse of the Year King's Chapel was sold to stand at stud in South Africa. Multiple Gr.1 winner King's Chapel commenced stud duties at Windsor Park Stud, Cambridge and made an immediate impact with his first crop siring leading stakes' winning 2YO King's Ransom, proven South Island galloper King Montrose and smart sprinter Gendarme. He has also sired stakes' winning 3YO filly Princess Emmy and smart juvenile of her time Lady Chapel.

King's Chapel was a great favourite at Windsor Park where his wonderful temperament endeared him to everyone!