Racing: Good time to buy in, says David Ellis

David Ellis.

David Ellis has a message for people who would like to get involved in horse ownership - now is a good time.

The leading buyer of yearlings for the past 12 years at the NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka, he has for the last 35 years operated a syndication business and leading stables in New Zealand and Singapore under the Te Akau banner.

"The yearlings were incredibly good value buying this year and there is no better opportunity for people to get involved," said Ellis, whose trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, at Matamata, and Mark Walker in Singapore, are premiership winners.

"We educate and prepare a lot of horses for our stables in Singapore where the prize money is so good and we have been leading the way with our group one and stakes wins in New Zealand over the last few seasons.

"I really think that the horses we've bought over the last few days, and the great value prices we were able to buy them for, presents a perfect opportunity for new people to get involved.

"Our owners keep telling me that having a share or two in a racehorse is the best thing they've ever done, because it gets them out and about, travelling, meeting new friends that also love horse racing, and they're having a ball. We put all the photos and information about the yearlings on our website (teakauracing.com) and I love talking to people about the horses we have available for owners - even better, I invite them to come out to the stud to see them," Ellis said.

Sir Peter Vela, NZ Bloodstock principal, said: "David's contribution was again significant. He bought very well and helped ensure another successful sales series for us. To have been the leading buyer for that amount of time is a fantastic contribution, one we are grateful for, and long may it continue."

- NZ Racing Desk