Champion Jockey Blake Shinn NZ Bound for Te Akau

Champion Victorian jockey Blake Shinn is set to make a welcome return to New Zealand racing, with Te Akau Racing securing the internationally accomplished rider for the Auckland Thoroughbred Racing meeting at Pukekohe on Saturday 21 November.

Shinn's principal assignment will be aboard Te Akau's outstanding mare Damask Rose, winner of both the Karaka Millions 3YO and the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi, when she contests the Group 2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.  

Adding further interest to the feature, Te Akau will also be represented by defending champion Qali Al Farrasha, who returns to attempt back-to-back victories with champion jockey Opie Bosson ONZM in the saddle.

While Blake will also take selected rides for other stables, it is his longstanding association and friendship with Te Akau that has been instrumental in bringing the champion jockey across the Tasman for the feature meeting.

The booking adds another exciting dimension to an already fascinating contest, with two of the stable's talented mares seeking further black-type success in one of New Zealand's most established feature races for fillies and mares.

It is a race in which Te Akau has enjoyed considerable recent success, winning two of the past three editions with Qali Al Farrasha (2025) and Campionessa (2023). The stable will now be seeking a third victory in four years.

Te Akau principal Sir David Ellis said he was delighted to secure Shinn's services following discussions during the recent Melbourne Cup Carnival.

"I was delighted to spend time with Blake again when we were in Melbourne for the Cup Carnival," Ellis said.

"We have forged a very strong relationship and friendship over the years, and we were thrilled when he confirmed in the past 24 hours that he would come to New Zealand to once again support our racing team.

"Blake is a jockey of exceptional international class and quality. Having a rider of his calibre competing at Pukekohe will undoubtedly add significant interest to the race day, and we are particularly pleased that he will be aboard Damask Rose.

"He has enjoyed some wonderful success wearing the Tangerine, and we are certainly hoping that good fortune continues.

"We are also delighted to have Opie aboard Qali Al Farrasha as she attempts to defend her title. Opie has been such an important part of Te Akau's success over many years, and to have two riders of this calibre representing our stable in the same Group 2 feature is something we are very proud of.

"These relationships are very important to us at Te Akau. We have enormous respect for Blake, both as a horseman and as a person, and we really appreciate him making the trip to New Zealand."

Shinn's engagement further underlines Te Akau's commitment to securing leading riding talent for its horses, while providing owners with every opportunity to compete successfully at the highest level.

With Damask Rose and Qali Al Farrasha carrying the stable's hopes in the Group 2 feature, the November 21 meeting promises to be an exciting occasion for their owners, the Te Akau team and New Zealand racing enthusiasts.