Gray Williamson and his wife Jan are co-owners of Mungrup Stud which they have managed for over 35 years. Mungrup is renowned as one of WA’s most prominent thoroughbred agistment and breeding operations with large acreage which can easily accommodate up to 600 horses.
The Impact speaks to Mungrup Stud’s Gray Williamson about his draft for the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and much more:
Q: What can buyers expect of your 2019 draft in terms of quality?
A: We have a draft of 32 yearlings this year. Of which there are 10 Oratorios. Magic Millions winner Oratorio’s (sired by Stravinsky) progeny have had proven successful. His progeny include Karrakatta Plate winners Motion Pictures, LuckyStreet and Gold Rocks, WA Guineas winner Clueless Angel and Waratah’s Secret, who has won four black-type events. Furthermore, his pedigree has been upgraded with Express A Smile becoming the dam of triple Gr.1 winner Sea Siren, who is raced by Mungrup Stud supporter Keith Biggs.
We also have 4 out of Playing God whoseprogeny, the 2YO gelding Lordhelpmerun trained by Steve Wolfe won the Gr.3 WASires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Ascot. His other 2YO son, Platoon is Stakes placed.
And finally, we have 18 yearlings from I’mAll The Talk. He was trained by Gary Portelli who considers this Stratumson to be the fastest horse he ever trained. He has thrown all his best features into his progeny. They have the same great hip-to-hind measurement and fantastic square hindquarter, which goes right into the gasket. I’m All TheTalk is a very powerful horse with a great starting speed which seems to have flowed into his progeny as well. So they will get up early and fast.
We have had great success with I’m All The Talk crossed with Oratorio mares. The market has really appreciated this combination.
Q: What is the highlight of your 2019 draft?
A: From the Oratorio lots I believe its Lot 130 - a bay colt out of Snuglet (AUS) and 143 a brown colt out of The Danehill Rose (AUS). We should make the most money out of either of these two horses.
brown/ Black Playing God filly out of New Zealand Stakes-winning mare O'Flirtyshould be his bestseller.
And from the I’m All The Talk lots, I believe lot 5 (bay, filly) out of the Stakes-placed mare Almachino (AUS) and lot 48 who is a half-brother to Gr.2 WA Guineas Stakes winner Variation should probably come out on top. Lot 48 is a beautiful yearling. He looks just like a 3YO although he’s much younger.
Q: Given the drought conditions how have you managed to bring such a large draft into the sale?
A: We had to start with quite a few horses to get to 32. We have a great staff. They made the five and half hour trip from Albany to Perth. And finally, the fantastic new complex helped.
Q: We have heard a lot about this new complex, could you please tell us what you liked about it?
A: Magic Millions has really got to be commended on building such a great complexin WA. It is much easier on the horses. The boxes are large and there is a lot of room to move around and show themselves off. The staff is also more at ease here. And I believe visitors would also enjoy coming down to this complex to look at horses.