Pencarrow Stud-bred three-year-old Imperium (Encosta De Lago x Ethereal) broke his maiden status yesterday in the $7,000 Motorcycle HQ/Property Brokers Pahiatura 2100 at Woodville.

Trained by Te Akau Racing’s Jason Bridgman, the three-year-old gelding had his first raceday appearance earlier in the season where he ran third over 1400m. Followed by two unplaced starts, Imperium finished third at his last start before stepping up to win at a stayers distance over 2100m.

The race-favourite, Imperium jumped well from barrier 7 with Lisa Allpress riding to settle towards the rear of the field, racing to the outside of Can Coup (NZ) (Zabeel). Travelling at a steady tempo, he dropped back to be the last horse with 800m left to run.

Approaching the corner before the home straight, the field quickened, with Imperium picking up speed as the widest horse on the turn. Shamal (NZ) (Zabeel) went to the lead but it was the Te Akau Racing colours that flew down the middle of the track for a one-length victory over Windermere Lad (NZ) (High Chapparal), who ranged up for second place, and Shamal finishing in third.

Yesterday’s win has earned Imperium $6,075 in prizemoney for her owners of the Te Akau 2013 Breeding Syndicate, managed by David Ellis.

The son of Encosta de Lago was bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela and is out of Champion staying mare Ethereal (Rhythm), winner of four Group 1 races, including the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

Imperium is a full-brother to Duquesa (Encosta de Lago), third placed in the Group 3 Manawatu Cup, and is also a half-brother to Uberalles (Giant’s Causeway), third placed in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby.

Ethereal had a filly foal in 2014, by the late Champion sire O’Reilly.