Te Akau TV: Unleashing Unstoppable Trans-Tasman Racing Action

Date: 23 Feb 2024

We can't quite 'rein' in the excitement ahead of another big Trans-Tasman weekend!

Welcome back to another thrilling week of racing and another episode of Te Akau TV! Let's delve into the latest updates on all things Te Akau from Hamish and our New Zealand racing manager Reece - plus we will catch up with our Te Akau Australia assistant trainer Ben Gleeson across the ditch following an electrifying Group 1 last Saturday, leading into another anticipated one this weekend!

Last weekend was an absolute thrill as we witnessed Imperatriz shine like the star she is with a dazzling victory fresh up in the prestigious Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington. This race has been won by some of the finest sprinters to grace the world's tracks and is the second highest Group 1 sprint race in the world.

Imperatriz's win has confirmed her as the world's No. 1 sprinter according to the latest TRC ratings - sensational too, to see Te Akau Syndicates come in as the 6th most successful ownership group in the world! To put this into context the five ahead of Te Akau are private owners Godolphin, Coolmore, Juddmonte, Shadwell, Sunday Racing - and then our owners - how fantastic is that!! And it's all based on high level achievements, statistics don't lie!

Ben shares his thoughts and reflections on Imperatriz's outstanding performance, underscoring the dedication and teamwork that led to this remarkable achievement - her 9th Group 1 title, with five in Australia and four in New Zealand. She now edges clear of our previous most prolific Australian Group 1 winner in dual Horse of the Year Probabeel (4).

Ben also touches base on Skew Wiff ahead of Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday. There's an update too on how our latest arrivals Quintessa and Campionesa, are settling into our new Australian stable - with Campionessa also set to race this Saturday in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes, a race previously won by the stable with Princess Coup.

While the Australian action did hog some limelight - we truly enjoyed seeing Star In The Sky shining brightly when winning at New Plymouth.

This weekend, the Group racing action out of Australia continues as we said with Skew Wiff and Campionessa doing their best to snare further Australian spoils. While here on our beloved home track, we're gearing up for the biggest day on the Matamata racing calendar. Te Akau has won both of the feature races on numerous occasions.

In the Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper, Move to Strike and Unbridled Joy (our 2023 colt syndicate buddies) aim to leave their mark on the track. However the race every local trainers wants to claim is the Group 2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders' Stakes - the jockey statute gets painted in the winning colours and the winning trainer thus has 12 months of 'bragging rights' and believe us, the do brag!! Unbeaten Captured by Love, already a Group 2 and Group 3 winner, leads the charge in this highly anticipated event.

In the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Kaimai Stakes, Aotea Lad and Accidental Tourist do battle, with Fashion Shoot contesting the very poignant, and special to us all, Lisa Chittick Plate. It would be a dreammto see this daughter of Savabeel honour Lisa's memory by winning. The weekend action doesn't stop there with Singapore kicking off on Saturday evening.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the NZB Kiwi slot auction on Tuesday, as it promises to be a very interesting addition to New Zealand Racing! Full coverage of the TAB Trackside New Zealand Derby Barrier Draw and The NZB Kiwi Slot Auction will be available to view on Trackside 1 (Sky Channel 62) and the TAB Facebook page from 7.00pm onwards don't miss it - we will be there!

The countdown is now on for Auckland Cup Week and Derby Day at Ellerslie, where racing enthusiasts will come together to witness the pinnacle of racing excellence.

Good luck to all our owners and connections this weekend - let's bring it on!