Te Akau Racing has announced their star 8-time Group One winner Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) will remain in Australia for her 2024 Autumn campaign.

Imperatriz was a dominate winner of her four spring races, starting off with a spectacular victory over Giga Kick in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at The Valley before Gr.1 wins in the Moir Stakes (1000m), Manikato Stakes (1200m) and Champions Sprint (1200m) to complete her faultless campaign.

“After careful consideration, the decision has been made that Imperatriz will resume in the Gr.1 VRC Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February 2024.  She will remain in Australia for her autumn campaign, thus will not be travelling to the Northern Hemisphere,” said David Ellis CNZM.

“We have received a number of international approaches and invitations, and have worked diligently through the various options available to our special mare. Our guiding principle is to always make decisions based on what is right for Imperatriz and her continued well-being, and longevity, while maximising her further opportunities to win at the elite level.

The champion mare returned back to training this week in Australia in superb condition.

“Once safely through the Lightning Stakes, Imperatriz will defend her Gr.1 MVRC William Reid Stakes crown at The Valley and then contest the Gr.1 ATC TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in April 2024. She will then return home to Te Akau Stud for a well deserved spell.

“Te Akau Racing, together with her owners, are very humbled by respect and huge support Imperatriz (Berri as we know her) has attracted. The warmth of the welcome wherever she steps out underlines how she has truly endeared herself to the public through her huge heart and will to win,” Ellis concluded.