Te Akau TV Weekend Preview
25 April, 2025
ANZAC DAY DELIVERS FIRST SALUTE!
As we approach the end of another incredible season of Te Akau TV, we wanted to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. It’s been a remarkable year, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
This will be the final episode of Te Akau TV for the season, but we want to take this opportunity to reflect on a season full of memorable moments and outstanding achievements. From the excitement of the dual Karaka Millions' wins to our Group 1 victories, to winning the inaugural NZB Kiwi Slot race - an impressive 21 Black Type wins across both New Zealand and Australia, it’s been a season filled with highlights. Every win, major or maiden, has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and horses - but none of it is possible without our incredible ownership family. We are incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished together, and we’re deeply grateful to have had you alongside us every step of the way.
We are delighted to announce that, effective 1 May 2025, Reece Trumper will step into the role of Assistant Trainer for Te Akau Racing (NZ). Reece’s deep understanding of thoroughbred racing and breeding, along with his leadership and enthusiasm, has seen him quickly rise through the ranks since joining Te Akau in 2018. His passion for the industry, which runs deep within his family’s legacy in racing, is complemented by his dedication and professionalism. Before his appointment as Racing Manager in 2022, Reece served as Assistant Stable Foreman at the Te Akau Colt Barn, where he made a significant impact. We are thrilled to see Reece’s career continue to flourish with Te Akau, and we are excited to watch him take on this new role.
In addition, we are pleased to share the news that Michael Gray has been appointed as Te Akau Racing Manager (NZ). Michael brings a strong mix of academic qualifications and hands-on industry experience. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University, Michael spent 14 months at John O’Shea’s Randwick stable in Australia, gaining invaluable insights into high-performance operations in Australian racing. Following his return to New Zealand, he expanded his knowledge further through his role with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), where he worked within the Bureau and Handicapping team. Michael has proven to be an outstanding asset to the Te Akau team in his five months with us, and we look forward to him stepping into this leadership role with enthusiasm and dedication.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the action kicked off on Anzac Day with runners at Flemington flying the flag in Australia. West Indies leads the charge in the Listed VRC St Leger, while Esternay has already saluted the judge today making it back to back wins for this filly entrusted for us to train from Cambridge Stud. At Te Rapa on Saturday, Celestial Wonder will line up in the Group 3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders' Stakes, while Mehzebeen will contest the Group 2 Travis Stakes.
Heading south at Riccarton, Dream of the Moon and Donna Chiara will be running in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes. In Australia, Sans Doute will be racing in the Listed John Hawkes Stakes at Morphetville, looking to go one better this year, while Stage ‘n’ Screen will compete in the Revert Group Handicap at The Valley. We also have some exciting racing lined up at Wanganui on Sunday, with a top Best Bet to keep an eye out for.
As we close the Te Akau TV season, we want to thank you once again for your incredible support. It’s been a season for the record books, as we have eclipsed our previous highest season's stake earnings - with $8.5 million won in New Zealand alone - add in Australia and that's over $10 million. We still have three months of racing to enjoy for the 2024/25 season - and while traditionally a little quieter on the tracks for us during winter, we still look forward to cheering on our winter campaigners. Speaking of which, it's a big weekend for the Te Akau team at Warrnambool, so keep an eye out for all that action!
Te Akau Racing is not just about the wins; it’s about the people, the horses, and the shared passion that makes us a family. Thank you again for being part of this unforgettable season. We look forward to returning next season with more updates, winning fun, and plenty more excitement to share!
GO THE TANGERINE!