Team Te Akau Celebrates

David Ellis CNZM and Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM hosted a dinner for our stable team on Saturday night at Matamata.

Gathering at the local Italian restaurant Osteria, it provided everyone the opportunity to dress up, show up, and enjoy a social occasion to celebrate a tremendous season. Osteria has built a good reputation in the town and maintains a high standard of food and service.

To begin the evening, Michael Roustoby was named “Te Akau Team Member of the Quarter”.  Keep an eye out for the upcoming story about one of our very diligent and hard-working team members, who truly deserves this recognition.

“The horses we've bought and syndicated and those we train for breeders and loyal owners have performed incredibly well and, together with a very special team, Te Akau has broken every record in the history of New Zealand racing this season,” Ellis said.

“We've won more races (160), more black type races (40), more Group One races (15) and more prize money (nearly $8 million in NZ & Aust.) than anyone has ever done before.

“Karyn and I could not be more proud of these achievements, and realise while having the right horses is paramount to the success, these results cannot happen without the hard work of our people both at Te Akau Stud and at the stables in Matamata.

“The strength of our team is that they know how to work together, respect each other, and strive for the same goal. They are proof that hard work, determination, professionalism, and going the extra mile counts in being the leading stable.

“Jamie (Richards) has led from the front incredibly well. Working so hard himself sets a benchmark for everyone and his ability to manage both the horses and staff in such a harmonious way is the secret to the success. His ability to bring out the best in both human and equine is second to none.

“Obviously Jamie receives great support from senior staff and I would like to mention the crucial roles of our stable forepersons: Scott Lucock, Mette Mosebo, Nicole Shailer, Sam Bergerson, Hunter Durrant, Reece Trumper, Tracy Collis and Trevor Stewart. They go above and beyond, show great leadership skills, and deserve all the success that comes their way.

“We must also give credit to Ashley Handley, Paul Richards and Craig Thornton, who have put their home lives on hold to travel and take care of the horses in Australia, and during the spring at our base at Riccarton.

“Our owners always speak of how warmly they are received by our racing manager Libby Richards and the high quality of communications that Lena Jones and Libby send out from the stable office. They are two great ladies and a vital link between our horses and owners.

“Opie Bosson (our stable rider), Troy Harris, Danielle Johnson, our apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, we are so fortunate to have them riding our horses. Joe is making an impact with his three-kilo claim during the winter months, but our three senior riders are all incredibly gifted, at the top among their peers, and such an instrumental part in the education and training of our horses. Both Opie and Troy were apprenticed to Te Akau, and to have witnessed the growth of their talents and still have such a great association with them today is very rewarding.

“Jamie has led our team with so much distinction, winning the eighth premiership title for Te Akau this season. It's an incredible chapter in the history of not just Te Akau Racing but also New Zealand thoroughbred racing, and we can't wait to see what the new season brings.”

The Te Akau Stud team will also celebrate together at a special season-end dinner at Raglan at the end of this month.