10 Time G1 Winner Imperatriz Retired

Media Release - Thursday April 11

Australasia’s darling of the turf, Imperatriz, has been retired from racing.

Te Akau Racing announced the surprising news on Thursday, just days after the daughter of I Am Invincible had returned back to New Zealand from a stellar season in Australia, where she won six of her eight starts, including five at Group One level.

Well done Imperatriz, thanks for the memories! - image Grant Courtney

“Imperatriz has been a magnificent race mare, I loved her from the time I set eyes on her at the Magic Millions’ sale. What she has done since has firmly established her as one of the very best race mares Australasia has seen in recent times,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said.

“From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, wife and Te Akau Racing director) and I saw her win her second Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley last month, we couldn’t believe the crowd’s adulation for her, The Valley was a sea of tangerine.

“Her tenacity, courage and sheer determination, combined with the sweetest nature you could imagine, have certainly won the hearts of fans worldwide. The joy she has brought to her owners is indescribable.”

Imperatriz wins the G1 Champions Sprint at Flemington - image Grant Courtney

Imperatriz won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 at Group One level, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prizemoney.

Advertisement

Last weekend, Imperatriz returned home to New Zealand, for a well-deserved break at Te Akau Stud. On her arrival, she underwent an in-depth veterinary ‘warrant of fitness’ to assess her wellbeing before spelling, which led to the decision to retire her from racing.

“Te Akau always puts the wellbeing of our horses first,” Ellis said. “The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse.”

Purchased by Ellis from Bhima Thoroughbreds’ 2020 Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling sale for A$360,000, Imperatriz was trained by Te Akau’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, and has dominated the racing scene this season.

“Imperatriz was simply an incredible racehorse - her determination and will to win was supreme,” Walker said.

“She has been remarkable flag bearer for Te Akau’s new Australian stable and we will be forever indebted to her. It has been such a privilege to train Berri, and she’s been an absolute pleasure by every measure.” - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Investing in Fillies Can Pay Big Dividends
We saw it earlier this month at Inglis Chairman’s Sale and we saw it again this week, purchasing yearling fillies that can perform to a high level has the potential to yield a big pay day in the sale ring, so let’s take a closer look.
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).
Sires Pack Profitable Punch at Weanling Sale
There are many members of New Zealand’s stallion ranks whose progenies racetrack results far exceed their service fee.  Next month’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka is an ideal opportunity for traders and end users to secure the progeny of these creditable sires.
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!
Sires With Winners - Thursday May 29
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
King’s Legacy Filly Wins by Three
The Lindsay Park team produced an impressive juvenile winner at Pakenham on Thursday evening with King’s Legacy filly Bella Pietra winning as she pleased.
Expensive Ghaiyyath Colt Wins Stakes
Darley shuttler Ghaiyyath (IRE) had his first Australian winner earlier this week and overnight produced a new stakes-winner in the UK where Godolphin owned colt Opera Ballo won the Listed Heron Stakes (1m)at Sandown.
Verry Exciting Weekend Looms
New Zealand horseman Nicholas Bishara will cross the Tasman this weekend to watch his filly Belle Detelle, a three-quarter sister to his ill-fated 11-time Group One Verry Elleegant, contest the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m).
Juvenile Trial Watch - Rosehill
Trials this morning at Rosehill were run on a heavy 9 so horses were well held together and not asked for too much, but there were still a couple of intriguing unraced heat winners by Extreme Choice and Justify (USA), plus we got another look at the $1.4million Wootton Bassett (GB) colt from Sunlight.
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.