One of the most underrated Te Akau mares has slowly developed a brilliant race record

Bred by Mapperly Stud and trained by Jamie Richards and now Mark Walker, the daughter of Contributor was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$60,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale from the draft of Westbury Stud. As well as her outstanding race record, Campionessa possesses a first class pedigree – being one of three stakes winners for her dam. Campionessa is a 6 year old mare by Contributer out of the O'reilly mare, Bella Carolina. Bella Carolina in turn is from from a Centaine half sister to Group One Metropolitan Handicap winner Dress Circle. Campionessa is the latest star Group One winner for Te Akau purchased from the Gold Coast. Others to carry the famous tangerine and blue colours to victory after a Magic Millions purchase include superstar sprinter Imperatriz, crack young stallion Sword of State, former NZ Horse of the Year Princess Coup and Costa Viva and Tell a Tale.

Campionessa achieved consecutive victories in January 2022, initially at Te Rapa and subsequently at Ellerslie.Strategically relocated to the southern region with the objective of acquiring valuable black type prior to and during the New Zealand Cup Carnival, she made a remarkable debut in Canterbury by securing a courageous triumph, her fifth, on the Riccarton synthetic track in September 2022, narrowly surpassing her stablemate Zouluminous. In October 2022, her pursuit of black type status was partially achieved when she placed second in the Listed Spring Classic. After being impeded as they turned for home, she was jostled again at a crucial moment and narrowly missed the win by a narrow margin.

On the first day of the NZ Cup Carnival on November 5, 2022, a significant victory was achieved. Campionessa displayed remarkable determination and resilience in overcoming all challengers in the $100,000 Listed Metropolitan Hcp over 2500 metres. This triumph was made possible with the exceptional riding skills of Joshua Parr, an esteemed Australian jockey who was specifically brought to Christchurch to represent Te Akau.

Campionessa demonstrated exceptional athleticism and adaptability in her victory in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). Under the skilled guidance of Opie Bosson, she showcased her versatility by transitioning seamlessly from a 2500m to 1600m. Campionessa's strategic positioning and explosive acceleration in the final 300 metres secured a dominant win with a 2.5-length advantage. This remarkable performance highlights her exceptional training and the expertise of the Te Akau stable. She ran 2nd twice in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes WFA (2000m) in February 2023 to Sharp 'N' Smart the subsequent Gr.1 NZ Derby winner - and then after interference, settling for second beaten only a neck by Prowess in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes WFA (2050m) on Auckland Cup Day, ridden on both by Opie.

Campionessa made a triumphant return to the winner's circle in November 2023. After a challenging spring season, she demonstrated her resilience and determination by securing a narrow yet decisive victory in the prestigious Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.(1400m). The Group 2 form was scheduled to continue at her subsequent start, as the courageous mare achieved consecutive Group 2 victories by resolutely winning the $175,000 Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes WFA (1600m) at Te Rapa in December with an easy 2L victory. Campionessa, with Bosson aboard, achieved a significant milestone by securing the prestigious Group One title on Boxing Day 2023 at Pukekohe. A strategic ride witnessed the Champion Jockey skillfully guide the six-year-old horse to a courageous victory in the $450,000 Group 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic Weight for Age event. (2050m).

Subsequent to her inability to manage the off track in the $400,000 Gr.1 Thornton Mile at Trentham in January 2024, she returned to Te Rapa in February to participate in New Zealand's most lucrative WFA event, the $600,000 Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes over 2000m. Once more with Bosson on board, she had to accept second place for the second consecutive year, demonstrating unwavering determination to finish half a length behind the victor, Legarto. The mare's victory in the A$300,000 Group 2 Peter Young Stakes WFA 1800m with Mick Dee as the jockey demonstrated the team's confidence in her abilities. Campionessa demonstrated extreme resolve and fortitude, having recently arrived in Australia, in overcoming the formidable challenge posed by two previous Melbourne Cup champions, Vow and Declare (2nd) and Gold Trip (3rd).

RACE RECORD - 33: 11-6-4

EARNINGS - $1,292,724

G1 Cambridge Zabeel Classic

G2 Peter Young Stakes

G2 Cal Isuzu Stakes

G2 Rich Hill Mile

G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders

LR Metropolitan Trophy Handicap