Imperatriz confirmed for Newmarket

Media Release - Friday March 1

Te Akau Racing have locked in the next assignment for their star sprinter Imperatriz, with the nine-time Group One winner looking to add to her elite-level tally in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington next Saturday.

The daughter of I Am Invincible was victorious first-up in the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at the Melbourne track last month, putting to bed any doubts following a lacklustre trial.

Imperatriz wins the G1 Lightning - image Grant Courtney

Te Akau Racing was considering heading to Sydney to tackle the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on the same day but have opted to stay close to their Cranbourne base.

“Careful consideration was given to both Sydney and Melbourne options for that date and a number of factors (pros and cons) determined the decision by the team of David (Ellis, Te Akau principal), Mark (Walker, trainer), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, Te Akau Racing director & Ben (Gleeson, assistant trainer),” Te Akau Racing posted on X.

Advertisement

“With her main end targets remaining the William Reid (Gr.1, 1200m) at The Valley & TJ Smith (Gr.1, 1200m) at Royal Randwick, we believe this is in the mare's best interests.”

Imperatriz had a hit-out at The Valley on Friday morning, pleasing her connections.

“She enjoyed her track gallop at The Valley this morning, her work was excellent,” they said. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
Records Tumble at Huge Australian Weanling Sale
The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside today with a record individual top price of $775,000 paid for a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), a record gross and record average.
Widden Stud Sell $775,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Widely tipped as a likely sale-topper at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, the Widden Stud consigned Too Darn Hot (GB) colt from Enbihaar did not disappoint when fetching $775,000.
She’s Invincible! Imperatriz Wins Tenth G1 in William Reid
With a big weight advantage Cylinder was able to win the G1 VRC Newmarket Handicap at the expense of mighty I Am Invincible mare Imperatriz, but he was not a factor when she added a 10th Group One victory to her collection with another supreme performance in Saturday’s $1 million Group I MVRC William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
10 Time G1 Winner Imperatriz Retired
Australasia’s darling of the turf, Imperatriz, has been retired from racing.
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
Te Akau Chase Back to Back G1 William Reid with Imperatriz
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand at The Valley on Saturday, with their seven-strong charge being led by their sprinting sensation Imperatriz, who will attempt to defend her crown in the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m).
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
Imperatriz Crowned NZ Horse of the Year
Te Akau Racing collected top honours at the 2024 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards on Sunday evening, which was headlined by Imperatriz, who was named Horse of the Year, while the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson partnership were Trainer of the Year.