Te Akau TV Returns for an Electrifying New Season

We’re happy to let you know Te Akau TV is back for another exciting season with trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at the helm of the training team for the new season.

The 2022/23 season was been nothing short of extraordinary for the tangerine team, delivering incredible results for our owners! As all the statistics turned 'back to zero' on 1 August, our team has this new season well in its sights, as we are determined to deliver high quality race track performances and results for our amazing ownership family.

Last season unfolded as nothing short of magical, boasting an impressive tally of 203 New Zealand wins, plus Imperatriz's triumphant Group 1 victory on Australian soil. She flies out to Melbourne on Monday night to start her new campaign in Australia - based at our new Cranbourne stable. Furthermore, our equine athletes clinched an astounding 33 (NZ) Group and Listed wins, contributing to a total of over $9 million in prize money won for Te Akau owners. We feel very proud that these accomplishments are now etched in the annals of New Zealand racing history, and have also set unprecedented benchmarks of excellence across all measures.

Heading in to this fresh season, we had the privilege of catching up with Te Akau Co-Trainer Sam Bergerson who graciously shared insights about the past season and his excitement for his new role at Te Akau. Sam provides a captivating glimpse into the heart of our racing endeavours and the team's aspirations for the new season ahead.

August is traditionally a 'quiet' month for the team with plenty of wintery tracks still prevalent. Nonetheless, we have still recorded eight wins (including a treble at Riccarton on Thursday)! This weekend we roll into the first Group 2 race of the season and a spotlight on the Group 2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate – a race that Te Akau has conquered before, with champions like multiple Group 1 winners Avantage, Melody Belle, and of course Imperatriz’s unforgettable win last season. This year Brando and Skew Wiff carry the hopes of the stable.

We will also do our very best to keep our 'Black Book' updated so keep an eye on our "Tangerine Best of the Week" segment. Make sure to note these names down as horses 'to watch' in our team's mind.

To all our Te Akau horses and their connections, we extend our very best wishes as we eagerly embrace the exciting new season that lies ahead!

Good luck to all runners and connections! Bring it on! We are thrilled to be back!