Jamie Richards out to continue Karaka Million dominance Posted by: Mediality Racing+ at 3:12pm on 20/1/2021
Te Akau Racing will bid to continue its indomitable run in the Karaka Million 2YO at Ellerslie with five runners, led by undefeated youngster On The Bubbles.
Trainer Jamie Richards has nominated On The Bubbles as the stable’s leading chance to claim a fifth successive win in New Zealand’s rich two-year-old race.
Te Akau has claimed the feature for the past four years with Melody Belle (2017), Avantage (2018), Probabeel (2019) and Cool Aza Beel 12 months ago.
Two years ago, Probabeel overcame a wide gate to win and Richards is hoping On The Bubbles can do likewise on Saturday after coming up with the outside barrier.
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Time called on Chipping Norton Stakes winner Te Akau Shark
Time called on Te Akau Shark s racing career Te Akau Shark winning the Chipping Norton Image: Getty
Popular Kiwi galloper Te Akau Shark has been retired from the track, with the six-year-old finishing his career with seven wins from 14 starts.
The Rip Van Winkle gelding s racing career was cut short following eye surgery this year.
An eye irritation was diagnosed following his autumn preparation in Sydney and he underwent an optic implant surgery in June.
The six-year-old then picked up a lung infection while he was recovering from the surgery.
The short but stunning racing career of Te Akau Shark is over.
Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis confirmed on Monday morning that the 2019 Cox Plate placegetter had not recovered from a serious eye infection he picked up in Sydney in the autumn and it had been decided the popular six-year-old with the barnstorming finish would not race again.
Trainer Jamie Richards lamented the outcome. It s disappointing that he was unable to get over his eye complaints, but he ll be remembered as one of the most naturally gifted horses we have had through our stables, Richards said. He s always shown to possess natural talent and ability, but ultimately he had a weakness in his eyes that unfortunately caught up with him and stopped him getting back to the races.