Team Te Akau chasing Te Rapa feature win at ‘special’ meeting

Fresh from claiming the title of leading buyer at Karaka for the 18th time, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis is turning his attention to one of his highlights of the racing calendar at Te Rapa this Saturday.

Both Ellis and his wife Karyn Fenton-Ellis are former chairs of the Waikato Racing Club, and Te Rapa’s Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) raceday features a prestigious race named in honour of their contributions – the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m).

The $275,000 feature for three-year-old fillies has carried the Ellis name since 2020, and the stable has recorded two victories during that period with Amarelinha (2021) and Self Obsession (2022).

Te Akau will be represented in the 2026 edition by last-start winner Born To Be Royal, who was bought by Ellis for $260,000 from Karaka 2024.

In addition to her recent victory over 2000m at Matamata, the King’s Legacy filly has placed in another five of her eight career starts, including the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and last month’s Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m).

“It’s a very special race meeting for Karyn and I every year, and we’d love to win the race that carries our name again,” Ellis said.

“I think we’ve got a really strong chance in it this year with Born To Be Royal, and we’d especially like to win it with her because our good friend Butch Castles has a share in the filly with us.