Unbeaten Group One winner Return To Conquer will return to New Zealand and join Waikato Stud’s stallion roster later this year.

Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis out of Blue Gum Farm’s 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft for A$1.3 million, the son of Snitzel went on to win all four of his starts as a juvenile for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m), Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), and Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m).

He subsequently joined Te Akau’s Cranbourne barn ahead of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, however, he sustained an injury when placing in his first jumpout at his new home base and the decision was made earlier this year to retire him to stud.

“From the moment I first inspected him at the Magic Millions’ sale, he stood out,” Ellis said. “He was a magnificent individual – strong, athletic and beautifully balanced – with the pedigree to match.

“He developed into an elite racehorse under Mark and Sam’s guidance, retiring unbeaten in four starts. All four of his victories were at stakes level, including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes. Records like that are seldom found.

“Just as importantly, he has a beautiful temperament and a real presence about him. We buy these well-bred colts to compete and win at the highest level and Return To Conquer did exactly that. To see him retire unbeaten and now head the renowned Waikato Stud is immensely satisfying – it gives him a tremendous platform, and it is a wonderful result for the New Zealand breeding industry.”

Return To Conquer joins fellow Te Akau graduate Noverre on the 2026 Waikato Stud stallion roster, which also includes, Savabeel, Ocean Park, Super Seth, Ardrossan and Banquo.

“We’re very excited and proud to stand such a top-class racehorse with a beautiful pedigree and impeccable looks,” Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick said.

“He will complement our broodmare band extremely well and to have Kia Ora remain in him adds to the excitement, the Australasian industry will get every opportunity to support him at this introductory fee.

“To stand a horse bought by one of the best judges in the industry is a real privilege, and it’s a testament to the Te Akau Racing team to have him retire with an unbeaten stakes record.”

Return To Conquer will stand at an introductory fee of $15,000 + GST.