Te Akau TV - Weekend Preview

17 January, 2025

You could say, it’s the calm before the 'Karaka Millions' storm', with a somewhat quieter weekend of racing ahead as we gear up for one of the most exciting events on the calendar!

It’s been a whirlwind ten days for the team - we were thrilled to secure 21 outstanding yearlings at the Magic Millions Sale last week! This marks another chapter in our journey to source world-class talent, and we’re thrilled with the overwhelming response. Both our Colts' and our Fillies' Partnership have already sold out - shares were in huge demand, a testament to owners' confidence in Te Akau. There are plenty of other stunning yearlings with shares available so make sure you check them out by clicking here.

On Tuesday the team had a massive day at our home track in Matamata with 38 horses trialling - a dynamic mix of exciting 2YOs and seasoned performers, some being educated and others fine-tuned for the big stages in New Zealand and Australia.

Names like Move To Strike, Captured By Love, Damask Rose, Return To Conquer, Sibling Rivalry, In Haste, Born To Be Royal, and Novelette - just a few to watch.

Earlier in the morning, we welcomed top Australian jockey Blake Shinn to Matamata for some early trackwork with our two-year-olds and more experienced racehorses. It’s a great relationship that has been forged, and Blake’s world-class skill and experience were on full display as he got a feel for our exciting young prospects and polished performers.

A true professional, Blake continues to strengthen his bond with the Te Akau team, and we’re thrilled to have him here leading into the summer of racing, with the TAB Karaka Millions just around the corner

It’s been another winning week, taking our New Zealand tally for the season to 71 victories. To Bravery Born was impressive making it two wins from two starts. The winner of the first 2YO race of the season, To Bravery Born has now locked in his place for next Saturday's Karaka 2YO Millions - one of three starters for the team. Home-bred Beau Brummell also added to the winning momentum with a stylish southern victory.

Looking ahead to this weekend, we have five runners set to fly the tangerine flag in New Zealand. Across the Tasman, Rasp makes his debut for the stable, on the back of a stylish jump out win on 30 December.

While it is a more subdued weekend by our usual standards, all eyes are on the horizon as we count down to the Karaka Millions' twilight meeting. This premier event is one of the biggest nights in racing, and we’ll be leading the charge with at least three in the Karaka 2YO Millions. Captured By Love takes her place in the Group 1 Railway and Te Akau will be represented in every race on the night.

No after-party for our team post the Karaka Million's as the next morning it's Karaka Sale day and we return to our happy hunting ground, seeking out the 2026 Karaka Millions' winner.

Good luck to all connections this weekend - we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Stay in touch

Sign up to Te Akau's newsletter