Te Akau Weekend Update
16 February, 2014
David writes:
It is a simply stunning day today at Te Akau Stud.
In the last week all parts of the Te Akau team have been on fire.
Jason won the last race at Ellerslie on Wednesday with Sir Darci who I purchased from Karaka and then our very next starter was the 2YO Darci's Dream who won the first at Te Aroha on Friday. Both of these horses are owned by Fortuna Syndicates and I bought some very nice yearlings again for them at this year's Karaka Sale.
Jason is now eight wins clear on the Trainers' Premiership which is a terrific achievement considering that we no longer have a South Island stable. His strike rate of 4.18 is exceptional.
Then on Friday night it was Mark Walker's turn when Rise 'n' Shine (Zabeel/Kay's Awake) won his first start in Singapore. I paid $130,000 for him and that race was worth $65,000 - meaning his prizemoney from just one appearance is $34,807.
Remember that from 1 April maiden prize money in Singapore rises to $75,000 - so you can see how astute the owners of Rise 'n' Shine were when they decided to send him to Singapore. On debut, over 1200m which you might think would be a shade sharp for a Zabeel at his first start ... see him power home in the race video at www.turfclub.com.sg - he has a terrific future ahead of him.
Chambord was bit disappointing yesterday in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie and we have come to the conclusion that he just doesn't want to stay as his pedigree would suggest but he does have a real future in my opinion as a sprinter/miler.
It's been a beautiful weekend weather wise on the farm and although it is dry as it is most years in February, the horses are absolutely loving life! It is just wonderful driving around the farm seeing all of the yearlings from the sales - they are thriving and are also selling well.
We have started breaking in some of our yearlings and this year we have started breaking in three weeks earlier. We are currently breaking in 12 young horses. James Jackson who broke in both King's Chapel and Darci Brahma handles this part of the farm for me and James is one of the best horsemen you will find.
Shares in all of our more expensive yearlings have just about been totally sold. There is only now just 2.5% available in my colt syndicate - so to see what sheer quality you can be part of for around $56,000 - please click on this link:
Karyn and I are working all day in the office today so please feel free to give us a call on any yearling you are interested in - we'd love to hear from you - 07 825 4701!
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