Te Akau Racing will establish an operation in Victoria.
Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM confirmed that the Cranbourne Turf Club’s world-class training centre will be home to Te Akau Racing Australia.
“This is a milestone for Te Akau, for our team, and especially for our owners – having an operation in Australia has massive appeal for them,” Ellis said.
“Our stable in Australia will provide opportunities for horses that are showing promise in New Zealand, to perform in one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world.”
An Australian stable for Te Akau had been in the wings for some time, however this was delayed by COVID lockdowns and restrictions. After months of investigation, Te Akau short-listed options in both NSW and Victoria.
“Cranbourne stood out as our location of choice. It is the largest training venue in the Southern Hemisphere built on 98 hectares, with state of the art facilities,” Ellis said. “Construction of Te Akau’s purpose-built stabling will commence immediately, and we will initially have 20 horses permanently located at the Cranbourne training complex to prepare for Spring racing assignments. Increased capacity will be completed over the coming 24 months.”
“Te Akau’s new Victorian base is exciting on so many levels: obviously the superior facilities and, being just 42 kms south east of Melbourne, with numerous other racing venues in close proximity, it is perfectly located. The Cranbourne Turf Club has innovative, future focused leadership. Like us, it’s ambitious, and we have been highly impressed with its master plan and its drive for future sustainability and success.”
“Importantly for Te Akau owners, the prize money on offer in Victoria is currently over A$320 million this season. Our new stable will provide a springboard for our horses that are showing promise, and has huge appeal to our owners who are looking for returns at a time when economic conditions are influencing how people spend their disposable income.
“We will be looking to buy more horses suited to Australian conditions. This will include precocious types from Australian speed sires, and also tried European horses that have been successful in races such as the Melbourne Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Cox Plate in recent years. This will provide a plethora of unique ownership opportunities for our existing ownership base, as well as new owners across the world who would like to see their horses race in Australia.”
Te Akau will remain loyal to New Zealand racing and its Matamata base. As recently announced, Assistant Trainer Sam Bergerson will join Mark Walker in a training partnership for the new season, and further key appointments will be confirmed in coming weeks.
Te Akau has not committed which of its current horses will take their place in the Australian stable at inception. As normal, its Spring horses will trial in July/August and decisions will be made in due course on which horses will be suited to New Zealand or Australia for the start of their campaigns.
Champion Trainer Mark Walker, winner of nine Trainers’ Premierships in two countries, added:
“There is a new chapter to write, and we really look forward to the opportunities that Cranbourne presents. We are determined to add to the proud record of success the stable has had in Australia with the likes of Imperatriz, Te Akau Shark, Probabeel, Princess Coup and many others, over many years.”
