Te Akau Racing Jewel Amarelinha (NZ) Crowned 2020-21 NZB Filly of the Year

Media Release - Wednesday December 15

New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2020-21 Filly of the Year Series showcased the class and superiority of standout filly Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel), who went undefeated through four appearances in the coveted race Series last season. 

Amarelinha wins the NZ Oaks.

Bought for $300,000 from Waikato Stud’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2019 by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis, Amarelinha finished the NZB Filly of the Year Series with 34 points – 19 clear of her nearest rival. Overall, she has won five of her eleven starts, placing in the other two and earning A$533,036 for the Te Akau Hopskip’n’jump Syndicate.

The winner of the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Group Two David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Group Three Sunline Vase (2100m) earlier in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, Amarelinha carried her dominance all the way up to an elite level in the Series finale, the $400,000 Group One Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

On Tuesday 14 December, connections to Amarelinha were awarded the prestigious title by NZB’s Kane Jones at Matamata Racecourse, with her purchaser David Ellis, trainer Jamie Richards, breeder Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick and owners from the Te Akau Hopskip’n’jump Syndicate all present for the momentous occasion.

Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis commented on Amarelinha’s award. 

“On behalf of the fantastic team that raced this exciting mare, we’d all like to thank the team at New Zealand Bloodstock and pass on our great appreciation.”

“It doesn’t go unnoticed the huge amount that NZB puts back into the industry, the owner has already received a $30,000 cash bonus, the breeder a $10,000 cash bonus and the trainer a $10,00 cash bonus.

Advertisement

“This makes the Filly of the Year Series such an iconic part of the New Zealand racing calendar, and it’s just such a thrill for us to be involved with the company,” Ellis said.

Trainer Jamie Richard’s was delighted with the recent success Te Akau Racing has had with progeny of Savabeel in past seasons.

“David bought her at Karaka from Waikato Stud, and we’ve had so much success with their horses and the progeny of Savabeel. We train this filly for a great group of owners, and I’m really thrilled for everyone involved, he said.”

Amarelinha is the sixth NZB Filly of the Year in the last 15 years for the powerful Te Akau Racing stable, following on from Costa Viva (Encosta de Lago), King’s Rose (Redoute’s Choice), Insouciant (NZ) (Keeper), Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago) and Shikoba (NZ) (Chief Bearhart).

The 2021-22 NZB Filly of the Year Series is currently underway, with the fifth leg, the $120,000 Group Two Jamison Park Eight Carat Classic (1600m) set to take place on Boxing Day (26 December 2021) at Ellerslie Racecourse.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Inglis Internship applications open
An opportunity to work with Australia’s most progressive thoroughbred auction house has become available through the renowned Inglis Internship program.
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 1
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
New Classic Prospect and New Aussie 2YO Winner for Wootton Bassett
The Group III JRA Derby Trial (2000m) at Baden Baden in Germany overnight produced a new stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett (GB) with lightly raced colt Juwelier staking a claim for classic success.
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 Queensland Derby
It’s been 15 years since Dariana thumped the colts to win the Queensland Derby (2400m) in 2010 and maybe it’s time for another filly to triumph!
Cool Aza Beel Strikes Again
Proven Te Akau Racing filly Cool Aza Rene put her quality on display when prevailing in a competitive Nellies Restaurant and Bar 2YO (820m) at Wingatui on Sunday.
The Secret is Out!
He has big shoes to fill as a half-brother to a $12million earner, but there is no secret about his ability! 
First Winner for Palace Pier
Kingman’s Champion 3YO Miler Palace Pier(GB) was a one term shuttler to Australia for Darley in 2022 and that crop will race next season, but in the meantime he had his first Northern Hemisphere winner overnight at Haydock.
Sires With Winners - Friday May 30
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Familiar Faces Win $100,000 Jumps Features at Sandown
Jumps racing took centre stage at Sandown on Sunday with some familiar colours and faces winning both the $100,000 Australian Steeplechase (3900m) and the $100,000 Australian Hurdle (3900m).
Lightly Raced Stayer Wins Sandown Cup
The $175,000 Listed MRC Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday featured some battle hardened  old stayers, but it was the young kind on the block that got the prize with four year-old Tavistock gelding Diwali scoring his first stakes win.