Te Akau’s Trailblazer: David Ellis CNZM ~ NZ Racing Hall of Fame Induction
12 May, 2025
Te Akau Racing celebrated a special occasion on Sunday in Hamilton, when David Ellis CNZM and 10-time Group One winning mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) were both inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.
David Ellis, a great ambassador for New Zealand bred horses and its people, had previously been awarded the Gallagher Agriculture and Primary Production Award in 2010, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence in 2017, and appointed as Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2020.
He has made an exceptional voluntary contribution also as a racing administrator, serving as a Director on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board (formerly the NZ Racing Conference), and as Director of New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing. He also served almost two decades on the Board of the Waikato Racing Club, culminating in five years as Chairman. He outstanding service was recognised with the award of Life Membership of the Club.
But as was highlighted on the night, with footage of memorable wins, it is the horses Ellis has bought and syndicated to provide owners with some of the most cherished moments in their lives, that makes him such an important part of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and a worthy Hall of Fame inductee.
Since first selling shares in horses he purchased in the 1980s, Ellis has grown Te Akau Racing to become the biggest syndicator of horses globally – no small feat from an island country in the Southwest Pacific.
Since November 2024, Ellis has bought 72 horses at sales throughout Australasia and Europe, to fill the Te Akau stables at Matamata, Riccarton, and Cranbourne (Victoria) - while a few shares remain available, a bulk have sold to a widening clientele of long-time Te Akau supporters and new owners as well.
The timing of the Hall of Fame induction for Ellis could hardly have been better, coinciding with Te Akau recording its 100th Group One win when 2YO Snitzel colt Return To Conquer won the Sistema Stakes in March at Ellerslie, while at the same meeting Damask Rose won the inaugural running of the $3.5m NZB Kiwi (Restricted Listed, 1500m). The current Te Akau Group One tally now stands at 101 with La Dorada's emphatic win in the Group One Manawatu Sires' Stakes' in April.
Ellis had his first Group One winner, with a horse he bought and owned, when Cosmetique won the 1986 Easter Handicap at Ellerslie, and such has been the momentum that the past nine years has produced 69 Group One wins.
Other highlights include 15 Champion Trainer titles, including an NZ domestic record of 203 wins in a season, over 2700 wins (404 stakes' wins) and the eye of Ellis’ purchasing power reflected in 89 of 101 Group One wins by horses he bought.
Former Chairman of New Zealand Bloodstock Joe Walls, said: “You, Karyn, and all the staff have worked tirelessly to drive Te Akau Racing to the heights it is now, and the Te Akau brand, with you at the helm, is recognised the world over as one of excellence and accomplishment.
“But I want to mention your ability in unearthing, fostering, and training, an endless stream of talent that emerges from your stables, while you have allowed people like Mark Walker, Jamie Richards, Opie Bosson, Michael Dee, Michael Walker, to name but a few, and new talents like Sam Bergerson and Reece Trumper, to make a resounding success of their careers.
“All this, in no uncertain terms, is due to your influence and guidance. That in itself makes you a very worthy recipient of this honour.”
Humbled by the honour, Ellis said: “I’m really lucky that, as well as farming, I do for a living what my hobby is, which is horse racing.
“I love waking up everyday with a view to racing horses, breeding horses, buying and selling horses, and giving all our owners and team a chance to be involved in this remarkable industry.
“I wouldn’t be here without the huge support I get from my wife, Karyn, and our family, and I was also very fortunate, about 35 years ago, to have a young Mark Walker arrive at the farm, and we’ve been great friends and business partners ever since.
“Mark is a world-class trainer and he’s been a massive part in getting Te Akau to where it is now, while we also have a fantastic team of young people to work with. They are true champions and I like working with young people, they’re fun, and that’s what we’re here to provide our owners with.”
And so, as David Ellis CNZM's name was etched into the annals of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, it wasn’t just a personal achievement but a celebration of all the people, the horses, and the success that have been part of this incredible journey. From humble beginnings in the 1980's to becoming a global powerhouse, Te Akau Racing stands as a testament to vision, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
With every win, every milestone, and every horse that crosses the line, Ellis and Te Akau Racing continue to inspire. It’s not just about the victories on the track, but about the friendships forged, the dreams realised, and the new generations of owners and enthusiasts being welcomed into the world of racing.
As Te Akau Racing looks ahead, the future has never been brighter. The next chapter of success, adventure, and memories is just beginning – and with Ellis leading the way, there’s no limit to what can be achieved. Here’s to many more wins, both on and off the track. Because for Te Akau Racing, the best is yet to come.