Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Bred by Waikato Stud, Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) was offered at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, where she caught the eye of syndicators Go Racing - who, at the time, could scarcely have imagined the incredible journey she would take them on. As it stands, that consists of three Group 1 victories and over $5.7 million in prizemoney, with the potential of more on the way.
From a promising Karaka yearling to a household name on both sides of the Tasman, Atishu has captured the hearts of racing fans, especially her ownership group, Go Racing.
Ahead of this weekend's Saturday’s $2.5 million G1 Australian Cup, Go Racing's Albert Bosma commented, “She’s taken us on a fantastic ride, she’s a very special horse.
“She’s one of those mares that has kept getting better and better, and she continues to race so well at the highest level.
“She’s (Atishu) one of those mares that has kept getting better and better, and she continues to race so well at the highest level.” - Albert Bosma
“She has developed into a lovely looking mare, with great conformation and a tremendous will to win.”
From Karaka to race day success
Go Racing secured Atishu for NZ$260,000 from the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, where she was presented by Waikato Stud.
“Atishu was a lovely yearling,” Bosma reflected. “Her full sister the year before sold for $875,000 and Atishu was very similar looking.”
Though she took a little time to break through, remaining a maiden after her debut campaign where she placed three times from four starts. It wouldn’t be long before her talent surfaced. At her second run in her second preparation, Atishu powered home to win over 1400 metres at Pukekohe Park in March 2021, the first of four consecutive victories, two of which came at Listed level.
Albert Bosma and Matt Allnutt | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery (Race Images)
One of those wins, the Listed Inglewood Stakes at Riccarton, remains a standout memory for Matt Allnutt from the Go Racing team.
“Leading into the race, we thought we had a good one, but she destroyed that field and then won again at Listed company,” Allnutt said.
“From there we thought she may be just a bit special. Marshy (Stephen Marsh) had done such a good job with her, but now it was time to try our luck in Australia.”
A new chapter in Sydney
Transferred to Chris Waller in Sydney, Atishu made an immediate impression, overcoming trouble in the run to win a 1400-metre Benchmark 88 at Randwick by 1.25l in August 2021. She was luckless when fourth next time out, but bounced back quickly to win the G3 Bill Ritchie Stakes at Randwick.
However, it wasnt long after that first Australian campaign that brought challenges.
“She had that quirky period where she was missing the start,” recalled Allnutt.
“Chris and the team did a wonderful job there, and credit must go to the whole team. They are a big operation, and often all of the staff don’t get the credit they deserve.”
“She (Atishu) had that quirky period where she was missing the start. Chris (Waller) and the team did a wonderful job there... They are a big operation, and often all of the staff don’t get the credit they deserve.” - Matt Allnutt
Despite those issues, Atishu showed her resilience, re-finding form in the winter of 2022 with several black-type placings. She then peaked again in the spring, dominating the G2 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington by 2l.
Her crowning moment came the following April, when she captured the G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, before returning to top-level form again in the spring. After a bold second to Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) in the G1 Empire Rose Stakes, she returned just a week later to overpower Duais (Shamus Award) in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes.
Atishu (NZ) cleared away in the G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes in 2023 | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
2024 and still going strong
Atishu launched into her 2024 campaign with strong intent. She was too far back when resuming in the G1 CF Orr Stakes, but turned it around in style, storming home in the G2 Blamey Stakes in early March—bringing her tally to 10 wins from 39 starts and earnings soaring past $3.9 million.
At one point in 2024, it looked like her racing career might wrap up with a sale ring finale as she was entered in the same sale 12 months ago..
“It was very much a decision where the syndicate changed their mind a few times after we had entered her,” Allnutt explained.
“In the end we decided to pull her out and race on. The thinking wasn't so much about the money but the thrills the owners were getting out of racing her. And it’s proven the right call.”
“In the end we decided to pull her out (of the sale last year) and race on. The thinking wasn't so much about the money but the thrills the owners were getting out of racing her.” - Matt Allnutt
Since withdrawing from the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Atishu has added a G1 Empire Rose Stakes victory and multiple Group 1 placings in the Queen Of The Turf, Australian Cup, Caulfield Stakes, and Mackinnon Stakes—adding around $1.8 million more to her bankroll.
Atishu’s elite victories across Sydney and Melbourne have come against the very best: Pride Of Jenni, Duais, Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), Prowess (NZ) (Proisir), Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}), Montefilia (Kermedec {NZ}), Zardozi (Kingman {GB}), Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel), Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}), and West Wind Blows (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). She's firmly cemented herself as one of the standout mares of her generation.
A farewell on the horizon
Now, with Saturday’s Australian Cup as her immediate goal, a potential swansong looms in either the G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes or G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes back in Sydney.
“She has given us so many thrills,” Allnutt said. “Lots of good with the bad, but so many highs. She has been a wonderful mare. It will be emotional, but we are stoked.”
Her eventual appearance in the sale ring will be bittersweet, but full of promise.
“There will be mixed emotions for sure,” Allnutt added.
“It will be sad to see her leave the team, but we are also excited about what the future will hold for her and being able to see what she can produce.”
“It will be sad to see her (Atishu) leave the team, but we are also excited about what the future will hold for her and being able to see what she can produce.” - Matt Allnutt
A mare built for the broodmare barn
Atishu is expected to command significant interest as a broodmare, both domestically and internationally.
“She is a lovely mare and her temperament holds her in good stead,” said Allnutt.
“She has been sound all the way through. She isn't a really big mare, but she is very strong. She should make a lovely broodmare.”
“She (Atishu) has been sound all the way through. She isn't a really big mare, but she is very strong. She should make a lovely broodmare.” - Matt Allnutt
Her pedigree suggests the same. By Savabeel, and out of the No Excuse Needed (GB) mare Posy (NZ), a sister to New Zealand Champion 3-Year-Old Daffodil (NZ).
Atishu hails from a family stacked with class. Posy is also the dam of G3 Desert Gold Stakes winner Mazzolino (NZ) (Savabeel) and the exciting Dream All Day (NZ) (Savabeel), and comes from the same branch as Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) and the recently retired Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}).
After having a bit of bad luck recently and slipping to Savabeel and Noverre (NZ) in recent years, Posy delivered an Ardrossan filly last spring and was then left empty.
Savabeel’s record as a broodmare sire is already flourishing, with 35 stakes winners, including six Group 1 winners including Savatoxl (Kuroshio), Beauty Eternal (Starspangledbanner), Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree {USA}), Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and Never Been Kissed (NZ) (Tivaci).
Syndicate success and the bonds it builds
For Go Racing, Atishu has been more than a racetrack star, she’s been a bridge to connection and friendships.
“As syndicators, we really like to see people bonding over a good horse,” said Allnutt.
“They talk to each other more than they do us and that’s great. They have become really good friends. One of the owners is organising all the hospitality for the Cup this weekend, they're a really close group.”
Atishu’s final races promise to be must-watch moments. Whether she goes out on a Group 1 high or simply adds another chapter to an already incredible story, her impact is already sealed—and her next chapter, as she sells at the Gold Coast, as broodmare is set to be just as exciting.
