Te Akau TV - Weekend Preview

31 January, 2025

IT’S BEEN A WEEK FOR THE AGES FOR TE AKAU!

This week, we catch up with our Racing Manager Reece Trumper, as we reflect on the past week of standout performances on the track, followed by success in the Karaka sale ring! Moments we certainly won’t be getting over any time soon!

Our high from Saturday continues as last week’s winners shone brightly in the tangerine hue. TAB Karaka Millions' twilight at the mighty Ellerslie provided the stage for one of the most anticipated nights of the season, and Te Akau Racing delivered in style.

Restricted Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO - La Dorada lived up to high expectations, producing a powerful performance to take out the Karaka Millions 2YO in front of a packed crowd. This victory continued Te Akau’s remarkable dominance in the race, having won eight of the past nine editions. This success again underlined the stable’s strength in developing elite juveniles - it was a privilege to have Craig Williams dig deep and win this race for us.

Restricted Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO - Damask Rose added another major win to her record with a determined effort in the Karaka Millions 3YO. In a competitive field, she proved too strong from a wide gate, securing a victory that highlights her class as she heads into the NZB Kiwi as Te Akau's slot holder. Blake Shinn smoked them - we were so proud of this achievement and we thank Blake for all of his work leading into this race when he came to New Zealand to ride work and trials prior to the meeting. Damask Rose's win means she is also eligible for the $1 million bonus pool if she can snare a top three placing in the NZB Kiwi.

These victories further cement Te Akau’s place as the dominant force in the Karaka Millions races, continuing an extraordinary record of success - now holding 12 Karaka Millions' titles.

But the fun didn’t stop there! On Sunday, the Karaka Yearling Sales kicked off, marking another big week for the team at Karaka. Te Akau secured 26 lots in Book One for a total spend of $4,757,500, with an average purchase price reflecting the quality of bloodstock added to the stable. The horses we have on offer are incredibly affordable, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Our focus remains on sourcing elite racing prospects, who can become two year olds but have the scope to train onto be successful older horses too.

A very warm welcome too, to new owners joining us for the first time this week - we are thrilled to be your new stable of choice! We’re excited about the potential of this year’s crop as we set our sights on what could be our ninth 2YO title in 2026. Check our our yearlings and shares and find your 2026 Karaka Millions' contenders by viewing our Yearlings & Shares here: www.teakauracing.com/yearlings-shares

This weekend the action kicks off today at Te Rapa, before a weekend of Black Type racing at Ellerslie, New Plymouth, and Sandown (Australia).

Leading the charge on Saturday at Ellerslie:

- Group 3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic - Return To Conquer and Dare To Prosir will represent Te Akau in this key juvenile race, looking to continue the stable’s strong form in the two-year-old ranks.

- Listed Fulton Family Stakes - Cognito steps out in a competitive field, aiming to add further black type to his record.

Saturday - New Plymouth:

- Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude - Crown Princess lines up in this key lead-up race to the Group 1 NZ Oaks, where a strong performance will enhance her Classic prospects.

- Group 3 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup - Midnight Blue takes on Group company, bringing solid form into the race.

Saturday - Sandown:

- John Moule Handicap – It’s Business Time looks well-placed to be competitive in this event as she resumes here after a 14 month absence

- Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes - Quintessa again takes on stakes' company in Australia, presenting a prime opportunity to showcase her ability at Group level.

Looking ahead at what is coming down the track - next week features two major race days to mark on the calendar:

Legends' Day at Te Rapa – the biggest day of the year for Waikato TR featuring top-class fields. We are proud to sponsor the Group 2 Karyn & David Ellis Fillies Classic, a race close to our hearts.

CF Orr Stakes Day at Caulfield – the first Group 1 of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival, where some of Australasia’s best horses will be in action.

Thank you for your continued support - we couldn’t achieve the remarkable results that we do without our loyal ownership family. Best of luck to all runners and connections this weekend!

GO THE TANGERINE!

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