Chief Stipe

Yes but in NZ we are selling out on tradition! We'll we kept all the shit parts of Ellerslie.

But why don't they come to the Southern Hemisphere? The stakes are better and you don't need to wear a Morning Suit and Top Hat to the party!

They seem to work in Hong Kong, Singapore and Moonee Valley.

Not my understanding. 300mm of sand in the top layer isn't standard. Why mesh sand? You only mesh to get structure and drainage.

Imperatriz - 10x Group 1 Champion Retired | News www.teakauracing.com Imperatriz - 10x Group 1 Champion Retired Date: 11 Apr 2024 It is with very mixed emotions that Te Akau Racing announces the retirement of our star mare and champion, Imperatriz. Currently Imperatriz is rated as the No.1 sprinter in the world and No.2 overall on TRC Global Rankings. In 2023, Imperatriz won more Group 1 races (6) than any other horse in the world! Her 2023/24 season has also been nothing short of stellar … with five Group 1 victories in Australia, taking her career tally to ten elite titles. She also recorded a Group 2 win in Australia where she set a new track record, and at her next start broke the very record she had just set. Imperatriz also became the first horse to ever win the MVRC Group 1 Sprint Triple Crown - effectively twice - in both a calendar year (2023) and a racing season (2023/24). Winning both starts as a two-year-old, including the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes, Imperatriz won two Group 1’s over a mile at three to be named New Zealand’s Champion Three-Year-Old. She then added three Group 1’s as a four-year-old to claim the title of New Zealand’s Champion Sprinter/Miler, and in more recent times has made her mark trans-Tasman, lauded by many commentators as the best sprinter in Australia. She set track records at Moonee Valley, then conquered the Flemington straight with Group 1 wins in both the Champions’ Sprint and the Black Caviar Lightning Handicap, the second highest rated sprint race in the world (2023 IFHA). “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,” said David Ellis CNZM. “From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn 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,” Te Akau’s David Ellis CNZM said. “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 won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 of 13 since 1 January last year, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money. 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 well-being before spelling. Regrettably, these evaluations have led to the difficult but necessary decision to retire her from racing. “Te Akau always puts the well-being of our horses first. 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,” David Ellis CNZM said. Purchased by Ellis from the Magic Millions’ sale for A$360,000 (from the draft of Brim Thoroughbreds), Imperatriz is trained by Te Akau’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, and has dominated the racing scene this season. “Imperatriz was simply an incredible race horse - her determination and will to win was supreme. 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,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. We extend our deepest gratitude to her whole ‘family’ that simply adores her: her owners, Te Akau’s Stable and Stud teams in New Zealand and Cranbourne, with special mention to Te Akau Australia assistant trainer Ben Gleeson, her devoted strapper Jason Levin and track work rider Laura Winks - also Te Akau stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM who forged such a successful partnership with Berri. As Imperatriz embarks on this new chapter, we reflect on her indelible legacy. We eagerly anticipate following her progeny and witnessing what the future holds. While her racing days have drawn to a close and the curtain has fallen, her spirit will continue to inspire and resonate with all who had the privilege of witnessing her greatness. “She's a Berri, Berri good mare, and one that will we forever treasure.”
 ENDS For further information contact: David Ellis CNZM Te Akau Racing +64 21 925151 david@teakauracing.com Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM Te Akau Racing +64 21 598161 karyn@teakauracing.com IMPERATRIZ - FACT SHEET In addition to her racing exploits, Imperatriz has an exemplary pedigree to match. Progeny by reigning Australian Champion Sire I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit), who rose from an initial fee of $11,000 to now stand for $302,500, have been incredibly well sought after and, rightly, remain so. He leaves such athletic and sound horses, represented by over 100 individual stakes' winners. Her dam sire Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway) left over 40 Group One winners worldwide and a sire of the highest class (previously third in the TRC Global World Sire Rankings) that is having incredible success now as a broodmare sire, while grand-dam sire Encosta de Lago (Fairy King) is a multiple champion sire, with over 50 Group One winners worldwide, and Champion Broodmare Sire in Australia. He is regarded as one of the greatest Australian-bred sires of all time. Imperatriz carries a cross of immortal sire Northern Dancer, on the sire line of I Am Invincible and sire line of grand-dam Percussive (Encosta de Lago). 1st - A$3,000,000 GROUP 1 Darley Champions' Sprint WFA 1200m 1st - A$1,000,000 GROUP 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes WFA 1000m 1st - A$2,000,000 GROUP 1 Ladbrokes' Manikato Stakes WFA 1200m 1st - A$1,000,000 GROUP 1 William Reid Stakes 3YO+UP WFA 1200m (twice - 2023 & 2024) 1st - A$750,000 GROUP 1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes 3YO+ WFA 1000m (broke own track record) 1st - $300,000 GROUP 1 Sistema Railway Opn SW+P 1200m 1st - $300,000 GROUP 1 BCD Group Sprint WFA 1400m 1st - $260,000 GROUP 1 Levin Classic 3YO SW 1600m 1st - $220,000 GROUP 1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes WFA F&M 1600 1st - A$300,000 GROUP 2 McEwen Stakes WFA 1000m (track record) 1st - $180,000 GROUP 2 Westbury Classic F&M SW+P 1400m 1st - $120,000 GROUP 2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate WFA 1200m 1st - $100,000 GROUP 2 Eclipse Stakes 2YO SW 1200m 1st - $80,000 GROUP 3 Northland Breeders' Stakes 3YO SW 1200m 1st - $80,000 GROUP 3 Soliloquy Stakes 3YOF SW 1400m

As with every Grp1 horse Te Akau races they do a full vet check including full x-rays before spelling. Unfortunately Imperatriz has issues and therefore will not race again. Too valuable to risk.

Bullshit. He doesn't understand turf culture and is being fed BS from someone. If that happened as he suggests prior to the KM why wasn't it fixed? Mr Wilcox please tell us all who advised to customise the StrathAyr implementation and why? Basically you've laid a 300mm beach on the track and expect to grow strong grass!! Really?

Yep worth a dollar next start. Didn't need blinkers, tongue tie...

Plan of Action Formulated Following Investigation Into Ellerslie Racecourse Meeting Abandonment Sent on behalf of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing In the wake of the abandonment of yesterday’s race meeting at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) advises a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken, resulting in an agreed plan of action that will be implemented to address safety concerns and ensure future racing success. Yesterday’s race meeting was abandoned after Race 3 due to safety concerns arising from a slip on the newly-installed StrathAyr track. ATR chief executive, Paul Wilcox, expresses his displeasure in what happened by saying, "We are disappointed in relation to having an abandonment. In upholding our commitment to excellence, instances like these are regrettable as they fall short of our standards." He further emphasises, "We also understand the disappointment yesterday's abandonment would have caused to participants, stakeholders, and fans; however, also want to emphasise that the safety and well-being of horses and jockeys is paramount and accept that this was the right decision under the circumstances." Wilcox notes similarities between this incident and the one encountered at the TAB Karaka Millions in January, acknowledging that yesterday’s issues stemmed from the interface between the root matting and the sand profile. “This incident bears resemblance to the issue presented at the TAB Karaka Millions earlier this year. We acknowledge that the root layer at the 10m rail position was not broken up to the extent of other used areas of the track - something that effectively formed a sponge that then held moisture near the surface. That’s what caused the issues. “Addressing this issue effectively is paramount to ensuring the safety and integrity of our racing surfaces moving forward.” Wilcox assures that following a meeting this morning between the Club, NZTR and RIB representatives, along with Frank Casimaty of StrathAyr and Chris Hay from Elwick Racecourse which has a StrathAyr track, an immediate plan of action is being implemented to address the issues created by the root mass and to also utilise the sand in the track to dust the surface and reduce any surface greasiness. "The Club, along with NZTR, are grateful for the advice received – particularly that from Chris Hay – as we continue to find the best process for preparing the track for raceday. From installation through to the return to racing at Ellerslie, we have worked closely with StrathAyr to ensure the highest standards. Our next steps will help restore confidence of our jockeys, owners, trainers, and punters in our racing surface at Ellerslie," he says. ATR commenced vertidraining the track earlier this week and will continue this process with additional coring of the track to a depth of at least 100mm. This action is aimed at bringing the sand from these cores to the track's surface. Subsequently, machinery will be utilised to break up these cores and spread them over the track's surface, with any remaining grass tufts to be removed. This work will be undertaken over the remainder of the week and into the weekend. NZTR chief operating officer, Darin Balcombe, is pleased about the steps being taken in saying “After our discussions with Chris Hay this morning, we are confident that the additional coring and breaking up of those cores will alleviate the issues with the surface. “We will continue to work closely with ATR to ensure the track continues to improve with racing.” Furthermore, ATR has ordered a corer machine to help ensure the ongoing track surface will continue to improve with further racing and, after the conclusion of the season on May 25, will undertake a heavy renovation on the track to include removing the matting to prevent similar issues in the future. Wilcox is confident things will look much different in the future saying, "As we move forward, our focus remains unwaveringly fixed on ensuring the highest standards of safety and excellence. We are fully committed to implementing comprehensive measures to address the issue swiftly and effectively. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic that with the planned renovations and diligent maintenance efforts, our track at Ellerslie will not only be stabilised but also optimised to deliver impeccable racing conditions and an exceptional racing experience for all participants and enthusiasts alike.” Prior to returning to racing, trials will take place this coming Monday 15 April. These will need to be completed satisfactorily with the rail in the raceday position for racing to resume as scheduled on Easter Handicap Day, next Saturday 20 April. NZTR have instigated the Abandonment Review Protocol and will review all events and track preparation leading up to the partial abandonment of Wednesday’s raceday. ATR extends its sincere apologies for any inconveniences caused and appreciates the public's understanding and support as it prioritises the safety and welfare of the racing community. The Club remains committed to working diligently with relevant parties to address the issue at hand and retains confidence in its decision to install a StrathAyr racing surface at Ellerslie. For further information, please contact: New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Darin Balcombe, Chief Operating Officer darin.balcombe@nztr.co.nz | 021 407 593 Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Craig Baker, Executive General Manager– Racing and Operations craigb@ellerslie.co.nz | 027 441 2920 Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Catlyn Calder +64 27 263 0276 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

Do you really think this post helps your cause?

Interesting the types of reactions from various stakeholders. Those that forewarned and are labelled negative - should get the award for I told you so; Those that are supposedly positive - "rejoice in the fact we spent $50m+ and it will come right eventually"; (how many times have we heard that before?) Trainers that know there are problems (they've seen their casualty wards!) but keep quiet because they don't want to add any negativity to an industry struggling for participants; Trainers that know there are problems but are prepared to give it time because they don't really have any option; Frustrated owners who get the vet bills and lose races because of poor track conditions; Multi-horse owners who say "oh I've seen all this before. You just have to take it on the chin as it's part of racing in NZ''; Any other types? Seems to me the only ones with a real passion for the industry and have ideas to rise above mediocrity are those labelled negative!!!! Meanwhile the migration to OZ continues. Won't be long before horse bought at yearling sales in OZ won't be getting a flight to NZ.

They're not being restricted. Just moderated. I thought I'd help you out with punctuation.

Stewards to probe Annabel Neasham over escaped horses The horse at the train station. Picture: Transport NSW By Jett Hatton 11:58pm • 10 April 2024 13 Comments A horse trained by Annabel Neasham was the runaway caught on CCTV footage at Warwick Farm station as a train approached the platform. Racing NSW chief steward confirmed the incident happened last Friday night after one of Neasham's stable complexes was broken into. "We've spoken to Annabel Neasham and she explained to us that on Friday evening an unknown person gained access to one of her stable blocks," Railton said. "Four horses were released by the individual. Three registered racehorses and a stable pony. "Three of those horses remained nearby to the stable complex while the horse depicted in video released on social media platforms went in a different direction. "Neasham and her staff caught the horse in the car park of the train station, and she's advised stewards she wasn't aware until she saw the footage that the horse had walked onto the platform." Railton said the incident, while concerning that a stable block was broken into, presented no integrity concerns relating to races run in recent days. "From an integrity point of view, it's been established that no horse in that stable block was entered to race subsequent to the event," he said. "We're satisfied there's been no compromise to any races held since last Friday." On Wednesday evening, however, stewards confirmed there would be a formal inquiry into the incident. “Ms Neasham will be formally interviewed by the Stewards at a time to be fixed regarding the incident,” a Racing NSW statement said. Speaking on Sydney radio station 2GB, Sydney trains boss Matt Longland couldn't believe what had occurred after receiving the phone call from police. "It was just before midnight on Friday night, we had a report at the rock of a passenger that was horsing around and it was actually a racehorse, would you believe it," Longland said. "We received a call from the police, who were aware an animal had got loose, and it was a fit looking horse actually. "It had got loose and it made its way to the train station. "The train pulled into the station and didn't open the doors. It waited for the trainer actually catch up with the horse and I think they restrained it."

Residual value in $10m Winx filly www.racing.com Regardless of what she does on the racetrack, it's not unreasonable to think that Winx's Pierro filly could comfortably recoup Debbie Kepitis' $10 million investment as a broodmare, Inglis' CEO of Bloodstock Sebastian Hutch believes. While Kepitis hasn't made a habit of selling the stock she breeds, Hutch said the filly has obvious residual value should the passionate breeder and owner choose to sell any of her offspring in the future. Hutch pointed to Widden Stud's pin-up broodmare Solar Charged as a case study for the value of an elite commercial mare. Purchased by Widden Stud for $650,000 in 2014, the Smart Missile mare has produced 10 foals to date, including eight yearlings who have netted a combined $9.45m in sales revenue. Oakleigh Plate winner Booker is another who has quickly shot to prominence, with her two publicly offered yearlings selling for a combined $5.5m. "You only have to look at how lucrative the yearling market is," Hutch said. "If the stock is of an appropriate quality and appeals to the right people, then there is going be significant demand for them if they were ever to appear for sale. "If you go through the sales history of some of the elite commercial mares in this country over the last 10 years, you'd see mares that have bred stock of an eyewatering value and do it consistently year after year. "There are just some mares that churn out valuable offspring. "You look at Solar Charged, the mother of Sunlight - I haven't done the maths, but I know the last three foals have generated $3 million, $2.6 million and $850,000, which is $6.45 million across only three yearlings. "It can be done." Hutch said first and foremost, Kepitis' aim will be to chase racetrack success with the filly and, while she may never reach her mother's lofty benchmark, any victories or black-type success will enhance her appeal at stud. He said the motivation for Winx's mating to Pierro was to produce a top-quality middle-distance racehorse, while Street Cry's success as a broodmare sire should enhance Kepitis' optimism that the filly can enjoy success on the track. "This filly is bred to be a racehorse - it was about trying to identify a stallion that would complement her (Winx) physically and in terms of profile and Pierro looked like the obvious horse to breed a smart horse that could be effective over distances between 1600m and 2000m like her mother was," he said. "He's made a brilliant start as a broodmare sire Pierro and then you've got Winx, who is by Street Cry, who is a one of the best broodmare sires around the world. "She's got no Danehill in her pedigree, which means she can be bred to most of the major stallions here and, if it ever happened that Debbie was tempted to breed the horse internationally, a pedigree like that is going to be complementary to most major stallions around the world. "It's exciting to think what a filly like that may achieve."

You're on fire today @Doomed. Perhaps it is all a ploy to force the sale of Avondale.

I don't think anyone wants the Ellerslie track to fail. But it is bitterly disappointing to see so much money invested and so much planning yet still we see fundamental issues arising. I hope to hell there is some science behind the customisation of the StrathAyr system implemented at Ellerslie. If there isn't then what a complete and utter stuff up.

Was fortunate enough to stay at Ted's home in Hinds as a youngster. Saw all the pictures and trophies that he had won. Probably the most successful amateur trainer ever in the sport. I remember seeing the Hokitika Cup in the trophy room. Hokitika being my home town. Would love to know the history of that Cup. I was allowed to stay up late and listen to all the stories while a lot of whiskey was drunk. Ted could tell a good yarn especially of his win drives. I recall him being a kind happy man. He gave Brian and George Hill the mare Single Girl who produced a number of good horses including Single Lord and McShane. I was very fortunate to meet a lot of the top racing people from that era and their horses!

Because there being so much sand in the top layer you need to water it. It was rated a Good 4. The irrigation didn't cause the slipping. In my opinion these aren't teething problems but fundamental issues with the way the track was built. Why do they need to fly in the StrathAyr experts from Australia if it is just teething problems? There should have been at least two abandonments of racing on the track since reopening. You'd expert more for $50m plus.

Is there a new word in there? I happened to overhear Wilcox talking about the track at some Ellerslie trials between Karaka Millions and Cup Week. I didn't feel particularly reassured by what I heard. The question is did they not do the same renovation work on the outside of the track as they did on the inside after KM? The sand is the issue fullstop. Where are you @TAB For Ever ?

Investigation underway after Ellerslie abandonment loveracing.nz An investigation is set to commence tomorrow morning (Thursday) into the abandonment of Ellerslie’s Wednesday meeting as a result of safety concerns following a slip on the venues newly installed StrathAyr track. A decision was made to abandon the mid-week meeting following senior jockey Opie Bosson’s report of his horse, The Storyteller, slipping near the crossing following race three, which the Stephen Marsh-trained gelding won. “Following race two we had concerns raised by a few of the jockeys in regards to the surface around the home turn,” Stipendiary Steward Lauren Selvakumaran said. “We convened a meeting with those jockeys and on the films it wasn’t apparent that there was any concern. At that time, they (jockeys) also agreed with that and were happy to keep riding. “Post race three, concerns were raised again. We convened a meeting with jockeys, club officials, Stewards and NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) representatives in which Mr Bosson outlined he slipped near the crossing, so we went and had a look at the track and identified a slip mark where Mr Bosson had stated it had happened. We also drove around to the 450m mark and observed a few marks around that area. “We weren’t satisfied with the surface being safe to continue.” Selvakumaran said the idea of moving the rail was floated, but it was decided that wasn’t feasible given the time it would take. “The rail was out 10m today which was the first time the rail has been at that position, so that may have played a part,” she said. “It was suggested a possible rail move, but we just don’t have the time for that as it would take five-plus hours, so we would run out of daylight.” Auckland Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Paul Wilcox was disappointed in the outcome and said the Club is working hard with relevant parties to rectify the issue. “Naturally we are disappointed in relation to having an abandonment. We pride ourselves on doing things right, so we let ourselves down when this happens,” Wilcox said. There were initial reports of horses slipping on Karaka Millions night in January, just the second meeting on the new surface, however, there have been no reports of such issues in subsequent meetings at the venue until Wednesday. “From what we can ascertain, it is the same issue where the grass is matted and joins the sand profile, which is causing the slipperiness. We thought we had that under control and we obviously didn’t,” Wilcox said. “All of those races subsequent to Karaka Millions night have been run without issue and all the jockeys have been happy with the surface. Today with the rail out 10m, which is ground that hasn’t been raced on, it has caused the same issue we experienced on Karaka Millions night.” The track is set to undergo further renovation over winter, however, Wilcox said the club will meet with NZTR and StrathAyr representatives on Thursday morning to discuss the issue and work out a plan to try and rectify the issue ahead of their next meeting in 10 days’ time. “After the last race meeting here (this season), which is the 25th of May, it (StrathAyr track) will get a heavy renovation and that will be focussing on removing that matting to ensure going forward that that can’t cause any issues. This time next year, it will be settled and hopefully racing perfectly,” Wilcox said. “We have had a discussion with NZTR and we have got another meeting with them in the morning to work out a plan of attack so that we can have the confidence of our jockeys, owners, trainers and punters in our surface.” NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe feels for the participants affected by Wednesday’s abandonment and said the three parties will be working hard on Thursday to identify a remedy. “We had a quick catch-up late this afternoon on the abandonment. We are going to meet again tomorrow morning and we have got StrathAyr coming over from Australia,” Balcombe said. “We are going to have a look at what we can do going forward into next week and whether it is still viable to run that meeting next Saturday. “We have got to do better. We can’t have these issues coming up and we have got to make sure that we get these fixes and make sure the tracks are improving. “I am pretty gutted for the owners that would have gone to the course today and had to go home again without a race. I really feel for them. “We will work through the issues and come up with a plan going forward and we will get that out to the industry at some stage tomorrow.”

I don't know how "more racing on the surface will fix it". If it was my racecourse I'd be inclined to get someone to start growing some turf, plow into the top 300mm what has already grown and add some loam to it. Then lay the new turf on top. As for the contours and course shape unfortunately they had their chance to fix that and now it is too late.

You would have thought that they would have walked the track after race 2 instead of just watching the videos!!!