New Zealand Racing Icon Sir David Ellis Honored for Service

A man who has spent 47 years transforming New Zealand racing into a world-class industry just received one of the country's highest honors, and he says it belongs to his team as much as it does to him.

David Ellis, now Sir David Ellis, was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year's King's Birthday Honours. The award recognizes not just his success in thoroughbred racing, but also his quiet generosity supporting youth programs, disaster relief, and animal welfare across the country.

Ellis built Te Akau Racing from the ground up into one of the most successful racing operations in the world. The stable has won more than 100 Group One races and consistently ranks in the top 15 owners globally, reaching number seven in 2025.

His investment in New Zealand's breeding industry tells the story of someone who believes in homegrown talent. Ellis has poured over $150 million into Karaka yearling sales over two decades, helping sustain the country's racing pipeline and develop trainers, jockeys, and racing managers who've gone on to international success.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story special isn't just the trophies or the rankings. It's watching someone reach the pinnacle of their field and immediately turn the spotlight onto others.

Ellis credits his wife Karyn as "a very important and special part of the team" who works full time for Te Akau Racing. When asked about his knighthood, his first thought was about the many people who helped build the stable's success alongside him.

At an age when many would consider slowing down, Ellis remains all in. He says he hasn't had a day off this year and just returned from horse sales on the Gold Coast, still working full time across Te Akau's operations in Matamata, Christchurch, and Australia.

Away from the track, Ellis and Karyn have supported causes they care deeply about while preferring to "fly under the radar." They're patrons of EquiPotential, which uses horses to help young people facing challenges, and they've quietly funded youth initiatives and community programs for years.

Ellis remains optimistic about racing's future despite industry reforms. He has confidence in the advisory group guiding the sector, calling them "the best businessmen in New Zealand," and he's proud of how the country's racing industry punches above its weight on the world stage.

New Zealand's racing legend just became Sir David Ellis, but after nearly five decades of service, he's still showing up every day.