Outstanding juvenile Return to Conquer notched a significant Te Akau milestone when he scored a gallant win in the Group One Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Return to Conquer (Blake Shinn) wins the Gr1 Sistema Stakes (Pic – Magic Millions)
The Snitzel colt, one of the sale stars at the Gold Coast last year, extended his unbeaten run in capturing the Sistema and confirmed himself a valuable sire prospect for the future.
A A$1.3 million Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy from the Blue Gum Farm draft, Return to Conquer was sent out the favourite and despite being challenged strongly over the concluding stages he kicked hard under Blake Shinn to win by a head.
Return to Conquer is the latest star purchased by renowned New Zealand based horseman David Ellis, the man behind the Te Akau Racing juggernaut and provided win number 100 for the Tangerine team at Group One level.
“Full credit to team leader (Ellis) as he has bought many many winners and with this guy he spent A$1.3 million without any owners earmarked and it shows just how good he is,” co-trainer Mark Walker said.
“It looked to be quite smooth sailing until the last 100 metres, but watching it live can be difficult and I’m pleased for Blake to get the win.”
“We never make decisions on race day and we will wait until he trots out on Monday before we work it out from there.”
Walker said he could be tempted to look at Australia’s most famous juvenile contest for the stable’s latest elite winner.
“We are open to the idea (of the Golden Slipper) but he is still a young horse, still developing and growing so we will enjoy today and regroup.”
“He has a great temperament, is bombproof and he is unbeaten for a reason as he has the will to win.”
The win continued a great relationship between Te Akau and top jockey Blake Shinn. The Australian hoop was suitably impressed with the fighting victory.
“The blinkers went on today to encourage him to put a field away as he gets there (the front) and thinks his job is done,” Shinn said.
“He rallied hard today when the second horse came at him and he is unbeaten still and may be ready now for a reset as he has had a long prep.”
“It’s great to win for Te Akau today as I’ve built up a great relationship with David Ellis and the team. I’ve come over in the last few months and put a bit of work in with them and that helped me make the decision to come here today and ride for them.”
“What David has created here is a world class business and I feel fortunate and lucky to get the call up,” Shinn added.
Return to Conquer is the latest Group One winner for Oakleigh Plate winner and champion Arrowfield Stud based sire Snitzel – himself a former Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase.
He is one of two foals to race for the beautifully related but unraced Lonhro mare Vaujany.
Vaujany, who is from the Surround Stakes and Magic Night Stakes winner Portillo, is a full sister to multiple Group winner Ghisoni, the dam of stakes winner Renosu.
Winner: Return to Conquer
Breeding: Snitzel-Vaujany (Lonhro)
Race: Auckland TR Sistema S. Gr1 (1200m)
Sold for: A$1,300,000
Sale: 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Earnings: NZ$534,750
Breeder: Mr M Howard
Vendor: Blue Gum Farm
Buyer: DC Ellis MNZM
Owners: Te Akau 2024 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM)
Trainers: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson (Matamata)
