Te Akau Tuesday Update

David writes:

It was a terrific week of racing for Te Akau, with six winners over four days, and we were delighted for our winning connections ...

Aishiteru, Court of Appeal and Cool ‘n’ Fast all saluted in the South Island, while it was great to celebrate our 12th stakes' victory for the season as Belle Cheval claimed her second Group 3 title this year, winning the $150,000 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes at Ellerslie quite comfortably for her breeder/owners David Archer, Diane Wright and their family.  She had been scratched from last weekend with the heavy track conditions, and this was a very encouraging result as in two weeks' time, she takes on the $4 million NZB Kiwi back at Ellerslie.

Sunday capped off the great week when Captured by Love and Crown Princess added further wins at Taupo, both ridden by Opie Bosson.

Turning to the farm, I honestly don’t think Te Akau Stud has ever looked better at the end of February. The horses that are spelling are absolutely thriving, and it’s incredible to see how well they are all doing. One of my great pleasures is simply driving around the farm multiple times a day, seeing the horses in their paddocks and appreciating the outstanding job our team does every single day. The care, hard work and genuine love they put into these horses really shows.

You can see how content and relaxed the horses are while spelling, and when they return to the stable they do so refreshed, both mentally and physically, and ready to begin their work again. There really is no better place for a break than Te Akau Stud.

I’ve attached a short video of the paddocks where the horses we’ve purchased at the sales are currently spelling. I know I say it often, but I genuinely have never seen grass like this in February at Te Akau - it really is remarkable.

Since buying my first farm back in 1979, I can’t recall a time quite like this. Cattle and lamb are selling exceptionally well and achieving record prices, and even mutton and wool prices have lifted. It’s an exciting time to be a farmer, and it’s very rewarding to see years of hard work paying off. A huge thank you to the entire team at Te Akau Stud - they are doing a wonderful job.

I’d also like to sincerely thank all our owners who have invested in the new yearlings we have purchased this year. Hand on heart, I can say we have never had such a high-quality group of yearlings on the farm. They are an outstanding bunch, interest has been very strong, and I’m still amazed at some of the prices we were able to secure them for.

If you are interested in getting involved, please have a look on our website before it’s too late. You’re very welcome to call me anytime on +64 21 925 151, or contact Karyn at [email protected].

https://teakauracing.com/yearlings-shares

We are always happy to hear from anyone new to racing, or our loyal and existing owners - we would love to recommend a horse that suits you best - whether you’re looking for an early two-year-old or a stayer, we have a wide range of exciting opportunities available across all price ranges.

At Ellerslie on Saturday, many people asked after my health, and I’m very pleased to say that I’m feeling really good and improving every day. It has been a long recovery since my kidney removal, but I feel stronger all the time and have even started back at the gym.

I am particularly lucky to have the best nurse in the world, Karyn Fenton-Ellis, looking after me - she has been outstanding and is my biggest supporter.  Thank you all for your kindness, care and ongoing support. It truly means a great deal to me, and I’m very grateful for the many friendships I’ve made with our owners through racing.

Have a great week, and best of luck to all our owners with runners this weekend. We are now just over a week away from the $4 million NZB Kiwi and Champions' Day at Ellerslie, and the whole team is buzzing - we can’t wait.