Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
After weeks of anticipation and discussion, Te Akau Racing’s Champion Mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) has been confirmed to be offered at the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, taking place on Tuesday, May 28.
However, prioritising Imperatriz’s wellbeing, the 10-time Group 1 winner will remain at the picturesque Te Akau Stud in New Zealand, while her sales process unfolds on the Gold Coast in Queensland at Magic Millions Bundall complex.
Imperatriz, a graduate of the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, was offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds and was purchased by David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) for $360,000.
Imperatriz as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Throughout her illustrious career, Imperatriz notched up 19 victories spanning distances from 1000 to 1600 metres. She conquered the Moonee Valley grand-slam of the G1 Moir S., the G1 Manikato S., and twice clinched the G1 William Reid S.
Adaptable and formidable down the Flemington straight, Imperatriz also secured victories in the G1 VRC Sprint Classic and the G1 Lightning S., with a gallant performance in the G1 Newmarket H. where she courageously carried weight against the 3-year-old Cylinder (Exceed And Excel).
Imperatriz concluded her career with another commendable effort in the G1 TJ Smith S., finishing fourth. Following her return to New Zealand and Te Akau Stud, comprehensive tests indicated that retiring her was in the Champion Mare's best interests and welfare.
She retires with an array of accolades, including the titles of Champion 3-Year-Old in New Zealand, Champion Sprinter/Miler in New Zealand, and the distinction of being the Leading Older Female on the 2023 WBR Rankings (Sprint). She also stands as a strong contender for the Australian Horse of the Year title.
Ellis was transparent at the time of Imperatriz’s retirement, indicating that the mare would likely be sold, with the details of the sale company or venue to be determined. Now, potential buyers have learned where to bid to try and acquire this rarest of all thoroughbreds.
Why Magic Millions?
With such a glittering race record and a top-class pedigree, Ellis and the team at Te Akau Racing had no lack of options of auction houses and people queuing up to obtain Imperatriz.
Ellis explained to TTR AusNZ, “Well, we got very comprehensive and professional reports from all three sales companies and ultimately we decided that she was sold as a yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale - that’s where we would go to sell her as a breeding prospect.”
David Ellis | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
Ellis added the decision to sell Imperatriz virtually was no reflection on the soundness and health of the mare.
“Ellis added the decision to sell Imperatriz virtually was no reflection on the soundness and health of the mare.”
“We just thought that if people are interested in her they will be over to see her. It wasn’t necessary to bring her over, and for GST reasons.
“There were no problems with travel, as we all know she’s a great traveller, so there was no reason why she shouldn’t travel; she’s sound as anything but it wasn’t necessary and Magic Millions are going to do it all online and her live cast for the sale.”
Also understandably thrilled with the decision is Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch, “It’s hugely exciting for Magic Millions. The team here are buzzing about the news; to have been allowed the opportunity by Te Akau Racing, David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis to sell Imperatriz is massive.
Barry Bowditch
“She was a graduate of Magic Millions and not just a graduate, probably one of our best ever runners to hail from the sale grounds. We’ve all followed her through her journey and then being able to write another chapter of this journey in May is something we’re incredibly proud to do.”
Australian record awaiting?
As the sale approaches, the burning question on everyone's minds is: what will Imperatriz sell for?
She nails the criteria of performance, pedigree, and physique. Backed by her impressive ratings, and according to Timeform she stands as the fourth highest-rated mare ever to be offered at public auction, globally.
Based on Timeform ratings Imperatriz is rated 124, a point below the three-way tie of Blue Prize (Arg) (Pure Prize {USA}), Monomony Girl (USA) (Tapizar {USA}) and Midnight Bisou (USA) (Midnight Lute {USA}) on 125.
Trying to establish a guide on what Imperatriz may make at auction, we can look at comparable international superstars like Lady Aurelia (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}), who fetched US$7.5 million (AU$11,400,800) at the 2018 Fasig Tipton Kentucky Mixed Sale. Then there's Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}), acquired for 5,400,000gns (AU$10,800,400) at the 2022 Tattersalls December Mares Sales.
Imperatriz as a foal | Image courtesy of Te Akau Racing
Superstars like the aforementioned Monomoy Girl (USA), offered at the 2020 Fasig Tipton Lexington November Sale selling for US$9.5 million (AU$14,500,600), and Gamine (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}), purchased for US$7 million (AU$10,700,300) from the 2022 Fasig Tipton Lexington November Sale.
However, Ellis refrains from speculating and leaves the judgement to the buyers. "We'll leave that to the buyers to put a price on her. We won't be getting involved in that. But we've already turned down good prices for Imperatriz," he stated.
"When people see her, she'll sell herself. She's as beautiful looking a mare as you'd ever see, and she's already let down into a beautiful broodmare. It is hard to believe just how good Imperatriz looks.
Imperatriz | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
"We had a film crew from Love Racing in New Zealand out filming her today (Monday). She looks amazing."
Describing Imperatriz’s type, Ellis mentioned, "Average to good size, good scope, a good shoulder, and a nice deep girth. She has a great distance between her hip and the hock, just as attractive looking horses you'd ever see.
“Anybody is welcome to ring me or Magic Millions and come and visit us. We've already had visitors from Australia who have seen Imperatriz, and anybody is welcome."
International interest expected
As expected, Bowditch anticipates significant international interest in the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, particularly for Imperatriz.
“It’s anticipated that international interest will be substantial on May 28th at the Gold Coast.
“When you consider her rating compared to mares that have sold worldwide in recent years, whether in America or Europe, she could set an Australian record.
“When you consider her rating compared to mares that have sold around the world in recent years, whether in America or Europe, she could set an Australian record.” -Barry Bowditch
“I believe she’s the most highly credentialed mare to go to auction in my time in the industry. She holds the highest rating in the world for a mare right now. With 10 Group 1 wins and sired by our Champion Sire I Am Invincible, Imperatriz ticks every box.
“It may sound like a cliché, but there isn't a single box you can't tick with Imperatriz. I expect interest from all corners of the globe, and history could be made here on the Gold Coast from a broodmare-selling perspective.
“Also, Magic Millions is thrilled to collaborate with Te Akau Racing, David, and Karyn to offer potential buyers this incredible opportunity. We eagerly anticipate bringing the Te Akau Racing brand to the Gold Coast in May.”
