David Ellis has enjoyed a golden year with his Karaka-sourced army of black type success stories.
The Te Akau principal further added to his record at Awapuni yesterday when the Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Splurge triumphed in the group two Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m).
"That's the 20th Group or Listed winner we've had in this calendar year, all of which I've bought at Karaka, and that includes wins in Sydney and in Brisbane," Ellis said.
"Steve and Jamie have trained them all, including six group One wins."
Te Akau also made their mark in Europe with Torcedor, a son of Fastnet Rock, successful in the group three Vintage Crop Stakes (2800m) in Ireland.