TE AKAU TV - Te Akau Targets Million Dollar Triumphs & Black Type Prestige

Team Te Akau has set its sights on serious Black Type Racing this weekend - and we've got MILLIONS of reasons why you can't miss it!

It’s the 'calm before the storm' on this episode of Te Akau TV, coming to you live from the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million sale ground – our perfect hunting location to discover the horses that will grace the tracks, compete for our owners and fuel the passion for the game we all know and love. Hamish is joined by our training partnership of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, with just one sleep until TAB Karaka Millions!

We can assert with confidence that this event stands out as a pinnacle in New Zealand racing. From the initial purchase of yearlings to their performance on the track, the journey culminates in aspiring to, and triumphing in, these prestigious races. With Te Akau's impressive seven-year Karaka 2YO Millions' winning streak, the thrill is tangible. This weekend is unparalleled — the eagerly awaited moment has arrived: Karaka Millions' Weekend!

Reflecting on the past 7 years, we thought we'd look back look on 'the dynasty' we've been so proud to be apart of:

‘In the realm where thundering hooves unite,

Karaka Millions' is primed, and ready for flight.

It's a saga of speed, as excitement soars

The Big E is ready to open its doors.

It's the track that we all know and adore

And 1000's will flock, all wanting more!

The babies are set a battle to fight

With guts and courage and plenty of might.

With dollars up, and owners abuzz

Let's head on back, and check out 'what was'

For seven long years it's been all tangerine

For seven long years it's been more than a dream!

Our babies, well ready, have gone in for the fight

Bringing Te Akau's owners years of delight!

Melody Belle, she started the theme

Surprising so many, fulfilling her dream.

Today she's a legend, of which tales are told

Her Group 1 successes some 14-fold.

An unforgettable moment, and this was the start

For the tangerine army to make winning its art!

Avantage aced the pack, the queen of fast pace

She brought to the Millions her elegance and grace.

With her daughter now following her regal stride,

The legacy lives on with a huge sense of pride.

Probabeel was another making history too

As the only horse still the double to do!

At two and at three, wide draws were no matter

Brave and bold, she her opponents did scatter.

Was it then possible for four in a row?

Well, Cool Aza Beel was a certain top show.

A colt who was calm, living up to his name

Was the next to deliver Karaka Millions' fame.

On The Bubbles, was next and here's to you,

A spirit effervescent, wild and true.

Bursting forth he delivered racing elation,

On the Karaka stage, a jubilant sensation.

We sure were 'on the bubbles all night long'

With massive celebration and plenty of song!

Dynastic lineage, could he make it six?

There was no question he was right in the mix.

A first big winner for his newly found sire

Another to set the Millions on fire.

In Karaka Million history, Tokyo Tycoon's acclaim,

Swift as the wind, he too won the game.

Flying from last he never looked back - as indeed it was heaven

Win number seven!

Pin Me Up too was a filly with style

Taking on the Millions and winning the mile.

So the countdown is on

As we join in the throng -

The stage is now set, and never forget..

The tangerine army is ready to go

Cheer them home, wish them luck, it's time for the show!


As we eagerly approach this weekend's racing, Te Akau Racing is set to make a mark at five venues—Ellerslie, Riccarton, Trentham, Singapore, and Great Western in Victoria.

Our powerhouse team of 13 runners is geared up for elite-level racing at Ellerslie. Here's a glimpse of our formidable lineup:

TAB Karaka 2YO Millions:


• Bellatrix Star

• Cool ‘N’ Fast

• Maracatu

• When Stars Align

• Damask Rose (currently balloted)

TAB Karaka 3YO Millions:

• Tokyo Tycoon (last year's 2YO Karaka Million Winner)
• Talisker

Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic – 4YO Millions:

• Wild Night (last year’s 3YO Millions' runner up)
• Accidental Tourist
• Cognito

Group 2 Westbury Classic:

• Fashion Shoot

Group 3 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap:

• Maven Belle
• Petrucci
• Romancing the Moon

Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy:

• Egyptian Queen
• Star of Justice

Looking at our other venues this weekend down in the mighty south Millefiori and last start stakes' winner Kai headline our team hunting black type spoils in the Listed Speight's Timaru Stakes before we cross over to race in Singapore.

On Sunday, Fleet Footed lines up at the NZB Karaka Sales at Great Western Racecourse. 

It's a vintage weekend of racing for enthusiasts, punters, and the general public alike. Our excitement is palpable as we return to Ellerslie, and a massive congratulations to the ATR team for their incredible efforts. We can't wait to be back trackside!

Looking ahead, Sunday marks the first day of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, where we'll be scouting for the next lineup of top horses, potentially featuring in the Karaka Million 2025. With the introduction of the NZB Kiwi, along with other massive stake increases, we're also on the lookout for horses that will compete at the highest level. New Zealand Racing is thriving, and the future of our industry has us bursting with excitement.

Make sure you keep an eye on our Yearlings & Shares page from Sunday at 10 am after the sales kick off, as we will be active at Karaka purchasing across all budgets!

Good luck to all our runners and connections this weekend! As George Simon says, let's bring it on in the Karaka Million!!!!