Te Akau's Season of Black Type Success
Date: 6 Jul 2023
As we enter the final month of the 2022/23 season we will 'walk down memory lane' for the season, reflecting on our 34 Group/Listed wins.
It has been a magical season by every measure - wins (currently 194 in NZ, plus a Group 1 in Australia); Group and Listed wins (34), and prize money over $9 million won for our owners - all benchmarks becoming new New Zealand records.
This month we will look back on each of our stakes' winners - but for now, it's an overview.
A visionary within New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM has developed a fantastic operation and provided owners some life enhancing experiences.
Since inception in 1988, Te Akau has trained over 2400 domestic winners, including 371 stakes' wins: over 180 in the last seven years, of which 58 were at Group One level. Within the 371 stakes' wins, Ellis purchased or bred 257, while among 88 Group Ones he purchased or bred 73.
It would be an understatement to say Te Akau trainer Mark Walker has had a mammoth season since returning Singapore last year.
He eclipsed the previous all-time training record (160) set by former Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards in 2020/21.
In just his 14th season training in New Zealand, Walker won five premierships between 1997 and 2010 during his first stint for Te Akau, adding four Champion Trainer titles during 10 years training for Te Akau in Singapore, before commencing again on 1 April last year from where it all began at Matamata.
It has been a season of milestones for Walker, who achieved his 100th domestic stakes success when Aromatic (Sacred Falls) won the Counties Cup (Gr. 2, 2100m) in November; notched the fastest 100 when Pure Imagination (Darci Brahma) won on 13 January at Tauranga, breaking the previous record set by Richards on 28 January 2021, and recorded his 1000th domestic win when subsequent Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Zourion (Zoustar) scored on debut in the 2YO 1100 metres on 7 February at Taupo.
Currently, Walker has 194 domestic wins, including 33 New Zealand stakes' wins, with all bar three of those stakes' winners bred or purchased by Ellis.
Leading the charge, reigning Champion Three-Year-Old Imperatriz (4 m I Am Invincible - Berimbau, by Shamardal) was the first stakes' winner this season in the $120,000 Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (Gr. 2, 1200m) and went on to win the $300,000 Group 1 Sistema Railway 1200m, $180,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic 1400m, $300,000 Group 1 BCD Group Sprint 1400m, and most recently the A$1 million William Reid Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) on 24 March at Moonee Valley, Melbourne. She was also beaten a just a nose in the A$600,000 Group 1 Canterbury Stakes over 1300m Royal Randwick in early March.
It was her fifth Group One victory, won in brilliant fashion under a seamlessly perfect ride by Opie Bosson.
Exuding special qualities when unbeaten as a two-year-old, including the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), Imperatriz won both the Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) and NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) as a three-year-old, and had another stellar season while extending her record to 13 wins from 19 starts and prize money of $1,828,660.
Purchased for A$360,000 by David Ellis CNZM at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2020, from the draft of Bhima Thoroughbreds, Imperatriz is owned by the Te Akau Invincible Empress Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).
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The sixth consecutive $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner from 2022, Dynastic (3 c Almanzor - Meir, by Volksraad) won the El Roca - Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m), before finishing third in both the Sarten Memorial (Gr. 2, 1400m) and Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m).
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, Dynastic owned by the Te Akau 2021 Stallion Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).
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Owned and bred by Lib Petagna (JML Bloodstock), managed by Bruce Perry Bloodstock, One Kiss (3 f Tivaci - Discreet Evening, by Discreet Cat) became the fourth Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) winner for Te Akau, following Darci Brahma (Danehill) fillies Darci's Dream and Windborne in 2014 and 2015, respectively, after first winning it with NZB Filly of the Year Shikoba (Chief Bearhart) in 2005.
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One of the most progressive three-year-olds this season, Wild Night (3 g Vanbrugh - Supreme, by Falkirk) made it three wins from four starts with an exciting victory in the Sarten Memorial Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m), followed by the Uncle Remus Stakes (Listed, 1400m), before finishing second in the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m), and third in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).
Purchased for $50,000 as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM at the Karaka 2021 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, Wild Night is owned by the Te Akau Love to Party Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and has $381,390 earnings.
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Ultra consistent, Campionessa (5 m Contributer - Bella Carolina, by O'Reilly) was another to make great progress during the season.
After winning the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2500m), Campionessa freshened beautifully to win the coveted Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m), and finished her campaign in style with seconds in both the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) and NZ Stakes (Gr. 1, 2050m) before finishing a close up sixth in the A$3 million Group 1 Australian Cup over 2000m in March, less than 2.2 lengths off the winner.
Owned by the Te Akau Campionessa Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000 at the 2019 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud, and earned $379,585 prize money.
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The first two-year-old stakes' winner this season was Sky On Fire (2 f Exceed and Excel - Elusive Meteor) in the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m), which provided Te Akau with its eighth victory in the race.
Owned by the Te Akau Magic Fillies Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Sky On Fire was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$400,000 in January at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Eureka Stud.
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Beautiful grey mare Aromatic (6 m Sacred Falls - Vickezzchardonnay, by Don Eduardo) recorded the 100th stakes win for trainer Mark Walker in the Counties Cup (Gr. 3, 2100m).
She raced clear to impressively win the Manawatu Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 3, 2000m), and emulated the feat next time out in the Travis Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m).
In addition to her three stakes' wins this season, Aromatic included seconds in the Metric Mile (Gr. 3, 1550m), Staphanos Classic (Listed, 1950m), Cuddle Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m), and third in the Waikato Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m).
Owned by the Te Akau Sacred Wine Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), Aromatic has won six times and scored a phenomenal 11 second placings from 27 starts, earning $341,350 in prize money, since being purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $160,000 at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Milan Park.
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One of the hardiest campaigners in the stable, Prise De Fer (7 g Savabeel - Foiled, by Snippets) won the Eagle Technology Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) before finally capping five Group One placed performances with a brilliant victory in the Captain Cook Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m), and finishing second in the Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2000m).
Pushing his earnings over $890,000, after 11 wins, 10 seconds, and six thirds, Prise De Fer was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000, from draft of Trelawney Stud, at 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, and owned by the Te Akau En Guarde Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).
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Recording an extremely valuable victory, La Flora Belle (5 m Iffraaj - Tsarina Belle, by Stravinksy) won the Wanganui Cup (Listed, 2040m).
Bred and part-owned by Marie Leicester, who bred dual Horse of the Year and all-time Group One record-holder (14) Melody Belle, purchased as a yearling by David Ellis for $57,500 and won $4.3 million in prize money, before selling as a broodmare for $2.6 million.
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Talented mare Synchronize (4 m Savabeel - Splits, by O'Reilly) recorded a valuable fresh-up victory in the Hallmark Stud Handicap (Listed, 1200m).
Synchronize was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $280,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, and owned by the Te Akau Flexibeel Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).
Synchronize is a granddaughter of Joint top filly on the 2005-06 NZ 3YO Free Handicaps Legs (Pins - River Century, by Centaine), who recorded Group One wins in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m).
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Trobriand (2 c Kermadec - Arboreal, by Lonhro) remained unbeaten in three starts when proving too strong in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), following with third to stable-mate Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) in the $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and second in the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m).
Owned by the Te Akau Island Paradise Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Trobriand was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $260,000 in January at the Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud.
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Returning to the scene of her New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) win, Belle En Rouge (4 m Burgundy - Cavendish Belle, by Thorn Park) won the Anniversary Handicap (Gr. 3, 1600m) after finishing second to stable-mate Campionessa (above) in the Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m).
A Te Akau homebred mare, Belle En Rouge had tied for New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year honours with stable-mate Self Obsession (Shocking).
Owned by the Te Akau Beautiful in Red Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Belle En Rouge was bred by David Ellis CNZM & Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM.
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Winning the Inglewood Stud Guineas Trial (1400m) and finishing second in the Warstep Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) leading up to the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), Cognito (3 g So You Think - Lady Primrose, by More Than Ready) was given a brilliant ride by Opie Bosson to win the Wellington Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m).
Owned by the Te Akau Think Ahead Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Cognito was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$165,000, from the draft of Baramul Stud, at the 2021 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale.
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Another homebred, Champion Two-Year-Old Maven Belle (3 f Burgundy - Doyenne, by Kilimanjaro) made it consecutive wins as a three-year-old with victory in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m).
Bred by David Ellis CNZM, Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Mark and J Walker, Maven Belle, a Group One winning two-year-old in the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), is owned by the Te Akau Maven Belle Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis).
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The star two-year-old in New Zealand, Tokyo Tycoon (2 g Satono Aladdin - All About The Coin, by Starcraft) became the seventh consecutive $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner for Te Akau.
Remaining unbeaten on the track in five starts, Tokyo Tycoon recorded a subsequent win in the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m).
Owned by the Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) & the Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Tokyo Tycoon, who took earnings to $648,025, was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, paying $125,000, from the draft of Rich Hill Stud.
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One of the most satisfying wins of the season, Leaderboard (8 g Street Cry - Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) pulled off a terrific victory Wellington Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m).
Owned by Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), Leaderboard was purchased in 2018 at the Tattersalls Sale in U.K., and following seven wins has earnings of $340,000.
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Owned by a close group of owners, Family Ties (3 f Contributer - Glamazon, by Pins) scored brilliantly in the Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m).
From a very good family, Family Ties was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000 at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud, and owned by Denise & John Elstob, Duck Duck Goose Syndicate, Glenn & Cathie Holmes, and Gilbert Southworth.
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A solid performer from day one, Perfect Scenario (5 g Iffraaj - Rosetti Bay, by Pins) was a huge winner in the White Robe Lodge (Gr. 3, 1600m) after finishing third in the Timaru Stakes (Listed, 1400m).
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $165,000 at 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Woburn Farm, for owners in the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), his dam, Rosetti Bay (Pins), was an impressive Group Three winner and multiple group placed mare that won eight races.
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Te Akau has made a habit of winning the Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), and glam filly Zourion (2 f Zoustar - Irion, by Danroad) did it stylishly to record the stable's eighth success.
New to racing, Zourion debuted with victory over 1100 metres, providing nine-time Champion Trainer Mark Walker his 1000th domestic win in February at Taupo, and recorded a stakes victory at her second start.
An outstanding looking filly, Zourion was secured by David Ellis CNZM for $475,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud.
Owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay (Cambridge Stud) have formed a strong relationship with Te Akau, who trained their four-time Group One winner and reigning dual Horse of the Year Probabeel (Savabeel) after she was also purchased by Ellis as yearling at Karaka.
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Growing in stature, Romancing The Moon (3 f El Roca - Underthemoonlight, by El Hermano) finished second in the Dunedin Guineas (Listed, 1500m) before racing clear to win the NZB Insurance Stakes (Listed, 1400m), and franked the enormity with victory in the Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) - the fourth for Te Akau in six years.
Earlier in season, Romancing The Moon finished second in the The O'Learys Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1200m) and second in the Soliloquy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) before finishing fourth in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).
Owned by the Te Akau Moonstruck Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Romancing The Moon was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $50,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft Westbury Stud.
Her record stands at four wins and four seconds from 11 starts and $327,695 in prize money.
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A quality galloper from the outset, Brando (5 g Savabeel - Saoirse, by Iffraaj) was already Group One placed twice over 1600 metres before winning the Japan Trophy (Gr. 2, 1600m) and followed a week later with victory in the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr. 2, 2000m).
A beautiful looking horse, purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run, and owned by the Te Akau R2R Colt Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Brando was bred at Fairdale Stud, from whom Ellis also purchased $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner, Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel), now an exciting young stallion in Australia.
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Going from Rating 60 to stakes winner with four wins this season, Fierce Flight (4 g Flying Artie - First Bloom, by Dylan Thomas) won the Hawkes Bay Cup (Listed, 2200m).
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $45,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, Fierce Flight is owned by the Te Akau Out of Bounds Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis MNZM).
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Te Akau has won 33 (20%) of the 159 stakes races this season in New Zealand
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