The vision of one man led to a racing dynasty in New Zealand that still stands strong today

While attending the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka yearlings Sales held every January down in South Auckland, there is always one guarantee. A man sitting quietly on the far side of the sales ring watches intently as each young horse enters into the parade ring. With catalogue in hand he carefully assesses each thoroughbred and gives a gentle nod or a wink to the bid chaser if the horses bloodlines match his experience and ability to spot future winners. If he wants it, he buys it, rarely outbid, paying seven figures if need be. The man is David Ellis CNZM, the principal at Te Akau racing with more than 40 years experience within the New Zealand racing industry. Te Akau has established a unique position in the New Zealand racing industry by employing highly skilled individuals to consistently produce champion racehorses. Under the leadership of David Ellis, the stable has developed into a formidable force, often showcasing some of the most beautifully bred, high quality young racehorses in the country. Karen Fenton-Ellis, and her husband David, form a powerful team. The previous Trackside TV host oversees a substantial portion of the Te Akau syndication system, which has enabled individuals to experience the Tangerine Dream first hand. She is often the first person you see celebrating with the ownership group after a victory.

The Matamata-based stable has a distinguished track record of accomplishments in New Zealand racing, having secured the trainers premiership on 14 occasions. Under the able leadership of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Te Akau consistently engages the services of highly skilled jockeys such as Opie Bosson and Michael McNab, thereby solidifying its position at the forefront of the industry. There are too many incredible horses to mention, but a few of the greats include Imperatriz, Melody Belle, Embellish, Wild Night, Probabeel, Entriviere, Advantage, Te Akau Shark, Gingernuts, Xtravagant, Rock n Pop, Burgundy, Darci Brahma and the original stayer that started the journey, Te Akau Nick.

Several prominent trainers in New Zealand have emerged from the Te Akau system, including Roger James, Stephen Autridge, Jamie Richards, and currently Mark Walker, who joined forces with Sam Bergerson to bolster their training partnership. In a strategic move, David Ellis expanded into the Australian market by establishing a stable operation at Cranbourne in Melbourne. We can expect to see the Tangerine colours flying high and dominating the NZ Racing scene for many years to come.

Te Akau, Matamata in New Zealand, Cranbourne in Melbourne, Australia and Singapore.

Winner of 9 New Zealand Trainers’ Premierships

Winner of 4 Singapore Trainers’ Premierships

Winner of 9 New Zealand Champion Trainer of the Year titles

Winner of 4 Singapore Champion Trainer of the Year titles

Trained 7 consecutive Karaka 2YO Million winners (2017-2021)

- Only stable to train the Karaka 2YO Million & Karaka 3YO Million double (2020 & 2022)

- Over 80 Group 1 race successes

Te Akau also provided the indomitable Gai Waterhouse with her first ever G1 winner in the Sydney Cup - Te Akau Nick who ran 2nd in the ‘93 Melbourne Cup won by Vintage Crop.