Winning War ~ Te Akau Sets NZ Stakes' Record

Last start course winner War Of Succession (4 g Tavistock – Ziffel, by Zabeel) relished stepping in distance when winning the $40,000 Horizon By SkyCity Rating 65 2100 metres on Saturday Ellerslie.

In the process, War Of Succession took seasonal prize money earnings for Te Akau Racing to a new record, topping $9 million for the first time in New Zealand racing history.

Having recorded a very good second-up victory in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 17 May at Ellerslie, War Of Succession remained in the same grade and carried 56.5kg, aided by the three-kilo claim of apprentice Hayley Hassman (a3), who won the first race on the programme aboard stable-mate Pokuru Gold (Darci Brahma).

Bred to stay, and a four-length Maiden winner over 1950 metres, War Of Succession appeared nicely placed to again rate a top three chance.

Settling off a genuine early pace, War Of Succession seemed to travel sweetly when pressure increased at the 600m, cruised into contention turning for home, and kept responding with a well-timed finish to score stylishly.

It was another competent ride by a young apprentice with the bit between her teeth, matched by the performance of a promising staying horse that boasts three wins from four starts on soft footing.

“He relaxed beautifully and did an amazing job out there,” Hassman said.

“The pace was on from the start and that really suited us, and we were able to kick through between runners on the home bend. He did everything perfectly and ran home strongly.

“He had kicked before I even asked him and was right underneath me, ready to strike. When I asked him, he put them bed.

“I ride him in pacework at home, so have got to know him pretty well, have ridden him in a couple of trials, too, and it was so good to get the ride on race day. He’s improving with each run.”

On Soft7 footing, that subsequently upgraded to Soft6, War Of Succession ran 2100 metres in 2:12.8, last 600m in 37.6, and paid $3.50 & $1.60. 

“It was another really good win and a lovely ride of Hayley’s,” Walker said. “She got him into a perfect spot, off the fence at the right time, and got to the right part of the track turning for home. She’s riding very well. 

“We’re very thankful for the patience of the owners. He’s just had a few niggles and maturity problems, but he’s starting to put it all together now.”

War Of Succession was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, and owned by the Te Akau 2022 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). 

A fine specimen by dual Group One winner Tavistock (Montjeu), out of mare by Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), the genetic cross has proved a revelation and includes Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther.

The same Tavistock / Zabeel cross has also produced Group One VRC Derby winner and now successful stallion Tarzino (ex. Zarzino), while deeper into the pedigree of Tavistock, the cross, which has proved most effective in producing males, includes Group One winners Tavago, Volkstok’n’barrell and Infantry, along with Group Two winners Hasselhoff and Tavidream. 

“It was great to have Pokuru Gold win for Ian Farrelly and then this horse (War Of Succession) for a really good group of owners,” Ellis said.

“They’ve been patient and it’s great to see them being rewarded with a horse that has now won consecutive races at Ellerslie, and looks to have a bright future over ground.

“The horse was bred by Sir Brendan and Lady Lindsay, at Cambridge Stud, and like a lot of Tavistock’s progeny we’re seeing him improve with age.

“After torrential rain this week in Auckland, to be able to race on a track as good as they’ve got today at Ellerslie it just incredible. It’s a credit to the track staff and the club administrators.

“Those wins took us over $9 million in prize money in New Zealand this season and that’s the first time that’s ever been achieved by any stable. We are so proud to have delivered these results to our owners.

“I think there are only three trainers in Melbourne that have won more than $9 million this season, one in Queensland, and about four in Sydney, so it’s a fantastic achievement. 

“It shows that through Entain’s involvement in partnering with the TAB that we are racing for higher stakes, which the owners deserve, and also that Mark and Sam and all our team are continuing to do an outstanding job.

“Also, to Hayley, it was a very good ride and she’s just going from strength to strength as young rider. It’s fantastic to see her doing so well and it’s a big thrill for Karyn and me. 

“Te Akau has always been very supportive of our apprentices and Hayley is following in the footsteps of jockeys like Opie Bosson, Vinnie Colgan, Samantha Collett, Troy Harris, Dan Stackhouse, Mick Dee, Wiremu Pinn, and Jasmine Fawcett.”

War Of Succession was strapped by Nicole Weatherley.

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz