Te Akau Chase Back to Back G1 William Reid with Imperatriz

Media Release - Tuesday March 19

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).

Imperatriz won the G1 William Reid Stakes last year - image Grant Courtney

After taking out last year’s edition of the sprinting feature, the Mark Walker-trained mare went on to win a further five consecutive races, including four at elite-level, with her picket fence form line coming to an end last start when runner-up behind Cylinder in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.

“Imperatriz was very tough running second in the Newmarket Handicap last time, is unbeaten in four starts at Moonee Valley, and hopefully she is able to go back-to-back in the William Reid,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said.

Imperatriz will be met in the William Reid by stablemate Skew Wiff, while the stable will also be represented at The Valley by a handful of other runners, including Campionessa in the Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m), Quintessa in the Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m), Certainly in the Gr.3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m), Mehzebeen in the BM78 2500m Handicap, and Prismatic in the MB84 2040m Handicap.

“Quintessa ran a great race for fourth in the Australian Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) last start and I think she’ll appreciate getting up in trip,” Ellis said.

“The two Waikato Stud fillies (Certainly and Skew Wiff) are both of the highest quality, and Campionessa is one of the gamest mares we’ve got in the stable, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it unfolds on Saturday.”

Ellis will be trackside on Saturday and is looking forward to a big day of racing.

“Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, wife and Te Akau Racing director) and I are going over to host our owners and while we’re under no illusions about the quality of the fields, we’re excited about being part of it with some good chances,” Ellis said.

Advertisement

“It’s a massive day for us and maybe the most stakes runners a New Zealand stable has ever had on a race day in Australia.”

Leading buyer for the 18th consecutive year at the Karaka Sales in January, following his notable impact at the Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast, Ellis has purchased 50 horses since New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale last November and spent nearly $16 million.

“We based our spend on Australia being the fastest growing and most lucrative racing jurisdiction in the world, and New Zealand prizemoney going ahead in leaps and bounds with the incredible input by Entain in partnering the NZ TAB,” Ellis said.

“We’ve still got shares to sell in horses, but overall, the uptake and support by the loyal Te Akau owner base and new owners has been quite overwhelming.

“People want to see horse racing flourish in New Zealand, they’re very passionate about it, and given the increase in stakes they’re getting involved in syndication ownership.

“We’re really happy with our timing in getting our stable up and running this season in Melbourne, and the training facilities at Cranbourne are absolutely world-class.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
King of Roseau Wins G3 Aurie’s Star
Placed in the Listed VRC Poseidon Stakes at Flemington last spring as a three year-old behind Growing Empire, Capitalist gelding King of Roseau returned to the same venue on Saturday to capture the Group III VRC Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).
The Novelist Returns to Form
The very first stakes-winner for his sire Written By when winning the Group III BRC BJ McLachlan Stakes in December 2022, The Novelist made light of the heavy 10 track at Rosehill on Saturday to claim another victory.
Imperatriz confirmed for Newmarket
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.
Winning Hat-Trick for Progressive Pierro
Richard and Will Freedman probably have more talented horses in the stable than Pierro gelding Cold Brew, but few have the consistency of this four year-old who landed a winning hat-trick at Rosehill on Saturday.
Kiwi Bred Keeps Winners Coming for Payne Stable
The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained Bold Soul has been a consistent performer right through the winter months and notched another win at Flemington when prevailing in the VRC Membership Renewals Open (2530m) on Saturday.
Kosciuszko calling Rosehill winner Elson Boy
Dubbo-trained Elson Boy was back in the winner’s circle after a 412-day absence when leading throughout to land the Jockeys Celebration Day Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill in the hands of apprentice William Stanley.
10 Time G1 Winner Imperatriz Retired
Australasia’s darling of the turf, Imperatriz, has been retired from racing.
Sliding Doors Moment Delivers Feel Good Winner at Rosehill
Two fillies were born at Yulong in 2021 sired by Alabama Express from imported North American daughters of Street Cry, one of them is triple Group I winner Treasurethe Moment and the other is the feel good winner of the day at Rosehill on Saturday.
Dual Group Winner Too Darn Good At Flemington
A dual group winner during the Spring of her 3yo season, talented mare Too Darn Discreet showed an electric turn of foot, charging home over the top of them to win the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m) at Flemington on Saturday.
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.