Te Akau TV - Weekend Preview
14 March, 2025
IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER ACTION-PACKED WEEK FOR THE TEAM IN TANGERINE, INCLUDING A BREATHTAKING CHAMPIONS' DAY STAGED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AT ELLERSLIE!
It was a historic milestone for Te Akau, winning the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi and securing our 100th Group 1 victory!
Te Akau was determined our owners could play their part from the moment the NZB Kiwi slot race was first mooted. In 2024 we secured our own slot, ensuring our owners would be represented in this innovative race. In December we declared Savabeel filly Damask Rose as Te Akau's representative, and after her stunning Karaka Millions' 3YO victory, we knew she was the one. Lightly raced and perfectly prepared, she delivered an unbelievable performance to claim Listed The NZB Kiwi in the hands of top Australian rider Blake Shinn.
Due to us declaring her early, she also accumulated points for two significant bonuses - one earning $600,000 and the other $100,000 - so her winning tally comes to $1.9 million!
Earlier on the day another historic milestone for the ages as Te Akau celebrated 100 Group 1 wins - this was reached when unbeaten colt Return To Conquer, also ridden by Shinn, fought hard to claim victory in the $550,000 Group 1 Sistema Stakes.
Owned by the Te Akau 2024 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$1.3 million at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Return To Conquer is another star in the making - now unbeaten ion four starts, all Group/Listed races, he has gone for a well-earned break.
Te Akau has now won the Group 1 Sistema Stakes 8 times, six in the past 10 years - and also produced four runners' up. Winners such as Sword of State, Cool Aza Beel and Heroic Valour who now stand at stud; Yourdeel, Sword of Osman, Warhorse and Maroofity - five of these horses going on to be Champion 2YO of their season! Hard to believe the names of some of our runners-up too: multiple Group 1 winners Darci Brahma, Avantage, On The Bubbles - 15 elite Group 1 wins between them.
This century of elite racing success has been made possible by our dedicated team, our loyal owners, and the incredible horses who have all been vital parts of this incredible achievement.
This is not just our celebration – it is yours too. Thank you for being part of the Te Akau legacy and for supporting us on this journey to 100 Group 1 wins. Words cannot express what this means.
We were also thrilled for the team at Haunui Farm with Francee bombing her opposition to win the $120,000 Entain/NZB Pearl Series Final, collecting an additional $70,000 bonus in doing so! Down the line, Balance of Power delivered as Reece’s Best Bet of the Weekend, making it four for the day!
In other news this week, we’re thrilled to launch the Tangerine Army syndicate - an exciting new way to welcome the next generation of racegoers into the sport! If you know someone keen to experience the thrill of racing with Te Akau at an accessible level, this is the perfect opportunity.
The Tangerine Army is more than just a syndicate - it’s a movement of passionate, like-minded people who love racing, fun, and unforgettable experiences both on and off the track. Our first syndication opportunity features a Tivaci colt from Karaka, and we can’t wait to share the journey with a new generation of racegoers. To learn more about the Tangerine Army click here: https://www.teakauracing.com/yearling/lot-539-tivaci-aus-cornflower-blue-nz-bay-colt
This week, we welcome Sam Bergerson to the update as we recap last week’s winners and look ahead to the weekend’s action.
We've already kicked off in winning fashion thanks to our Cranbourne stable, with Savabeel filly Exuberance classy under Blake Shinn last night at Pakenham. Now we turn our attention to another exciting weekend, with runners across multiple venues. Wild Night is back in New Zealand and wasting no time, stepping straight into Group 2 company alongside What You Wish For in the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy. A Te Akau trio including the half brother to Group 1 winner Move To Strike making his 2YO debut at Wanganui on Saturday. Sunday sees Wingatui in the South and two runners heading to Yarra Valley where Savoir Faire takes on the Yarra Valley Cup.
Wishing all of our runners the best of luck this weekend - GO THE TANGERINE!