Te Akau claims seventh straight NZ trainers’ premiership

Te Akau Racing has continued its reign as New Zealand’s leading stable when winning a seventh consecutive national trainers’ premiership this season.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson recorded 135 wins in New Zealand this term, including 19 stakes wins, three of those at Group 1 level, including Quintessa in the Proisir Plate (1400m), Lara Antipova in the Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Seize The Day in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).

Bergerson was rapt to retain the mantle as New Zealand’s leading stable, securing his third title at the helm alongside Walker.

“It is fantastic to take out another premiership,” he said.

“Mark is spending a lot more time in Australia this past season (at Te Akau’s Cranbourne stable) so I have had to take up a lot more responsibility, and I can’t thank the team here at home enough, especially Reece (Trumper), he has been a massive help as the assistant (trainer). 

“It has been a tough season, it has been a lot of work, but it has been really rewarding, and it’s great to take out the premiership.”

The stable has had plenty of highlights this season, but one moment shines above all others.

“The day that really stands out for me is the Manawatu Sire’s Produce Day where Seize The Day got it done and then we had Belle Cheval win the Vinery (Stud Stakes) in Sydney.” – NZ Racing Desk