There will be no northern hemisphere campaign for Imperatriz next year, with Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis revealing her looming autumn plans.

The eight-time Group One winner had a stellar 2023, winning all but one of her nine starts, finishing runner-up in her only defeat in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) in March.

She was victorious on six occassions at elite-level this year, including the Gr.1 Railway (1200m), Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m), Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), and Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m).

She has subsequently spelled since capping a perfect spring campaign at Flemington last month and has returned to work and is being set for an Australian autumn preparation, with Te Akau resisting the lure of a northern hemisphere campaign.

"After careful consideration, the decision has been made that Imperatriz will resume in the Gr.1 VRC Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February 2024. She will remain in Australia for her autumn campaign, thus will not be travelling to the Northern Hemisphere," Ellis said.

"We have received a number of international approaches and invitations and have worked diligently through the various options available to our special mare.

“Our guiding principle is to always make decisions based on what is right for Imperatriz and her continued well-being, and longevity, while maximising her further opportunities to win at the elite level.

"Once safely through the Lightning Stakes, Imperatriz will (attempt to) defend her Gr.1 MVRC William Reid Stakes crown at The Valley and then contest the Gr.1 ATC TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in April 2024. She will then return home to Te Akau Stud for a well-deserved spell.”