Australasia’s darling of the turf, Imperatriz, has been retired from racing.

Te Akau Racing announced the surprising news on Thursday, just days after the daughter of I Am Invincible had returned back to New Zealand from a stellar season in Australia, where she won six of her eight starts, including five at Group One level.

“Imperatriz has been a magnificent race mare, I loved her from the time I set eyes on her at the Magic Millions’ sale. What she has done since has firmly established her as one of the very best race mares Australasia has seen in recent times,” Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said.

“From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, wife and Te Akau Racing director) and I saw her win her second Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley last month, we couldn’t believe the crowd’s adulation for her, The Valley was a sea of tangerine.

“Her tenacity, courage and sheer determination, combined with the sweetest nature you could imagine, have certainly won the hearts of fans worldwide. The joy she has brought to her owners is indescribable.”

Imperatriz won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 at Group One level, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prizemoney.

Last weekend, Imperatriz returned home to New Zealand, for a well-deserved break at Te Akau Stud. On her arrival, she underwent an in-depth veterinary ‘warrant of fitness’ to assess her wellbeing before spelling, which led to the decision to retire her from racing.

“Te Akau always puts the wellbeing of our horses first,” Ellis said. “The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse.”

Purchased by Ellis from Bhima Thoroughbreds’ 2020 Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling sale for A$360,000, Imperatriz has dominated the racing scene this season.

“Imperatriz was simply an incredible racehorse - her determination and will to win was supreme,” trainer Mark Walker said.

“She has been remarkable flag bearer for Te Akau’s new Australian stable and we will be forever indebted to her. It has been such a privilege to train Berri, and she’s been an absolute pleasure by every measure.”