Sir David Ellis KNZM

Te Akau Principal

Phone: +64 21 925 151
Email: [email protected]

Sir David Ellis KNZM celebrated his first winner with Magnum in 1978 and his first Group 1 victory when Cosmetique won the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie in 1986. Following those early successes, he had one simple ambition: to share the excitement and emotional thrill of racehorse ownership with others. That vision became Te Akau Racing, built on selecting outstanding thoroughbreds and inviting people from all walks of life to race them.

More than four decades later, Sir David has established Te Akau as the most successful thoroughbred racing operation in New Zealand history. The stable has trained more than 2,900 domestic winners and 429 stakes winners, including 106 Group 1 victories. Sir David has personally selected horses that have won more than 100 Group 1 races, with 92 per cent of those elite-level winners purchased by him.

Widely regarded as one of the world's leading judges of thoroughbred talent, Sir David has invested more than $150 million in New Zealand yearlings across 43 consecutive National Yearling Sales. Under his leadership, Te Akau has grown into an internationally respected racing and breeding operation with stables in Matamata, Riccarton and Cranbourne, having also enjoyed sustained success in Singapore. Today, the business employs more than 100 people and has developed generations of trainers, jockeys, racing managers and industry professionals.

Raised in Pakuranga, Sir David's passion for animals and farming led him to Flock House Agricultural College and a Diploma in Agriculture through Massey University. In 1979, he purchased 575 acres in the Waimai Valley and later expanded the property to establish Te Akau Stud. It now spans approximately 4,000 acres and combines breeding, rearing, breaking in and spelling horses with a substantial sheep and cattle operation.

Sir David's industry leadership has included roles with Magic Millions, Waikato Racing Club, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing. His honours include the 2017 New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence, appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020 and induction into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2025. In the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to thoroughbred racing and philanthropy.

Sir David is married to Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM, who plays an integral role in Te Akau Racing. Together, they are Co-Patrons of EquiPotential in Hamilton. His enduring focus remains providing owners with the thrill of winning while continuing to build a team that strives for excellence in every area of the operation.