Leading New Zealand racehorse syndicator David Ellis in an induced coma in a Gold Coast hospital after contracting severe pneumonia, but his wife says he is expected to recover.

Ellis, who runs Te Akau Racing, was in Queensland for last week's Magic Millions mixed horse sale.

A statement from Ellis' wife Karyn Fenton-Ellis on Te Akau Racing's website says they have received a number of messages wishing him luck.

"There is no change in David's condition but our medical team tells me that this is what they expect at this stage. He is certainly stable and will heal and be well in due course," she said.

"Yes he is still in an induced coma for a short time but this is helping him to fight his chest infection."

Ellis has been the leading New Zealand buyer at the Karaka yearling sales for some years and this year spent $4.238 million to secure 31 yearlings.

Among the top horses Te Akau Racing has raced in recent years are Darci Brahma, Princess Coup, Kings Chapel, Rock n' Pop and Distinctly Secret.

It has racing stables in Matamata and Singapore as well as a breeding operation.

Ellis was an early supporter of Gai Waterhouse and owned the trainer's first Group One winner, Te Akau Nick, who claimed the 1992 Metropolitan Handicap and ran second in the Melbourne Cup the following year to Vintage Crop.