Winning Weekend

It's been a successful weekend for Te Akau in both New Zealand and Singapore - with Flaming saluting the judge at Te Rapa on Saturday and in Singapore, line honours going to Forever Ahead on Saturday and Iking on Sunday - a Mark Walker winning double.

It's a GREAT time to be involved with Te Akau - our horses are flying and we are the only stable that provides our owners with a truly international raft of opportunities.  Remember that last season in Singapore, Te Akau earned $4.5 million in stakes - that is prizemoney for our owners!  Combined with our New Zealand stable, we won close to $6 million for our owners - no other NZ stable comes close to that.

It has been a busy week with lots and lots of new and existing owners calling to get involved with the stunning new yearlings that we bought at Karaka.  We are proud of these purchases that come at all price ranges and without exception, ooze quality.

We'd love you to be involved - check out our "Yearlings and Shares" page - just move your cursor over a horse that you are interested in and you are one click away from a description of our thoughts on the horse, its pedigree and video where available.

We are proud of our purchases and proud to be supporting the New Zealand racing and breeding industries - David has now been the top buyer at Karaka for nine years - and this speaks volumes about his commitment to, passion for and belief in our industry.  It is about standing up and being counted - and Te Akau is a stable you can count on - for quality, for communication and for success - season after season after season.  Success isn't seasonal with Te Akau, we keep on delivering results.

Call us today on 07 825 4701 or email [email protected] - you'll find a warm welcome and a share in a smart young horse that suits your needs.

The Informant reported on Flaming's Te Rapa success:

Jason Bridgman was left wondering what Flaming could have done in the Karaka Million after the filly raced away with the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO at Te Rapa today.

Flaming, a sister to the Group One performer Smoulder, was left one on the ballot for the country's richest race at Ellerslie last Sunday and her connections watched on as Vespa claimed the major prize.

“I'd have loved to see what she would have done in the Karaka Million,” said Bridgman. “She drew 14 and on the night that was the place to be and when the rain came in would have played into her hands.

“It's a shame she didn't get in the Karaka Million but we were always up against it trying to get her qualified in time. Things just didn't go her way.”

Flaming had run fourth in her first three starts, the latest two behind Karaka Million starters Jackofall and Way In, and relished the drop in company today when settled back by rider Matt Cameron.

Cameron bided his time on Flaming as Miss Buffo and Roman Aspect disputing the pace and when he asked her for an effort early in the run home there was immediate response. Flaming soon put the race beyond doubt and went clear to win by three and a half lengths from Reach' Out with third-placed Jewel Of The Naki a neck away.

Flaming will now head to Matamata for the Gr. 2 J, Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders' Stakes in a fortnight.

“Actually I think she's better left-handed and she's got to be a good chance in the Matamata Breeders' Stakes,” said Bridgman.