About Te Akau Racing
New Zealand's leading thoroughbred racing operation, built on more than four decades of vision, outstanding horsemanship and success at the highest level.
Built on vision. Proven at the highest level.
Te Akau Racing has been built over more than four decades on a clear belief: outstanding horses deserve outstanding people, exceptional care and every opportunity to fulfil their potential.
From Te Akau Stud in the Waikato to our racing stables at Matamata and Riccarton in New Zealand and Cranbourne in Victoria, every part of the operation works together as one team.
This fully integrated approach connects the selection, development, education, training and placement of our horses, while delivering an ownership experience defined by communication, inclusion and ambition.
A record of sustained success
- 17 Trainers' Premierships across New Zealand and Singapore — 13 in New Zealand and four in Singapore
- Seven consecutive New Zealand Trainers' Premierships through the completion of the 2025/26 season
- More than 2,900 domestic winners and approaching the significant 3,000-win milestone
- 429 stakes victories, including 106 Group One wins
- Fourteen combined winners of the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas and New Zealand 1000 Guineas — seven of each
- Eight Karaka Million 2YO winners, including seven consecutive victories from 2017 to 2023
- The only stable to complete the Karaka Million 2YO and Karaka Million 3YO double in the same season — achieved in 2020, 2022 and 2025
- Eight New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year winners
- Thirty-four stakes victories in Australia since 2017, including 15 Group One wins
- A New Zealand record NZ$9.27 million in domestic prize money during the 2024/25 season
- Sir David Ellis has selected horses responsible for more than 100 Group One victories
One team. Three racing bases.
MATAMATA, NEW ZEALAND
Te Akau's principal New Zealand stable is based at Matamata Racecourse, one of the country's foremost thoroughbred training centres and home to approximately 600 horses.
Te Akau operates four barns at the racecourse, supported by a 12-acre post-and-railed property beside the track where horses can spend time in day paddocks.
Modern treadmills, horse walkers and access to professional water-treadmill facilities allow each horse's programme to be tailored to its individual development, fitness and recovery requirements.
Te Akau's New Zealand training operation is led by Champion Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.
They are supported by Assistant Trainer Reece Trumper, Racing Manager Tom Murphy and an experienced team of riders, stable staff, veterinarians, farriers and administrators.
RICCARTON, NEW ZEALAND
Te Akau's permanent South Island stable is located at Riccarton Park Racecourse in Christchurch and is managed by Assistant Trainer Hunter Durrant.
The stable has become a consistently powerful force in South Island racing.
During the 2025/26 season, the Riccarton team produced 46 winners, including six at stakes level, and secured Te Akau's third consecutive South Island Trainer of the Year title.
CRANBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Te Akau Racing Australia opened in September 2023 at the world-class Cranbourne Training Centre, creating a seamless pathway for Te Akau horses and owners to compete across Australia.
The purpose-built Te Akau facility now comprises 70 boxes and is led by trainer Mark Walker, supported by Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson and an experienced Australian team.
Cranbourne provides access to an exceptional range of training surfaces, sand-hill tracks, a heated equine pool, horse walkers and treadmills, together with convenient access to Melbourne's metropolitan and country racecourses.
Imperatriz was the stable's first runner and became a 10-time Group One winner, Australian Champion Sprinter and 2024 New Zealand Horse of the Year.
The momentum has continued. During the 2025/26 season, Te Akau's Australian operation recorded 30 wins and three stakes victories, including two at Group One level.
