Mauritzfontein Stud was established by Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer in 1945. With Mrs O’s (as Bridget Oppenheimer was fondly called) passing the farm is now in the hands of granddaughter Jessica who is assisted by General Manager Guy Murdoch in the management and breeding of the next generation of racing superstars. Murdoch has said in previous interviews that he is not too keen on close inbreeding and considers conformation and performance the most important. The Impact had a chance to talk to Guy Murdoch about his 2019 National Yearling Sales’ draft as well as ask him for industry insights:
Q: Please tell us more about your 2019 National Yearling Sales draft and its highlights.
A: 30 in total 18 fillies &12 colts by some smart sires including Captain Al, Silvano, Querari, Gimmethegreelite, What A Winter, Var, Flower Alley, Soft Falling rain, Ideal World, Vercingetorix & first season sires Flying The Flag & Global View, both sons of Galileo, some very decent horses. I think Lot 55 out of the champion filly Cherry on the Top X top sire Querari is probably the standout but a lot of nice horses.
Q: Given your exceptional records, could you give us an insight into the factors taken into consideration when you plan to mate?
A: It is generally a team effort, most important factors for me is that the mare & stallion match physically & that the sire is a prolific producer from a prolific sire line.
Q: Which 2019 first-crop sires do you think are underrated current but will improve in the next 3-5 years?
A: Pomodoro & Vercingetorix come to mind.
Q: Your farm sold one of the most expensive horses at this sale last year. Can you tell us more about the horse, where is he now and who was the buyer?
A: Lady Laidlaw was the purchaser & he is with Dean Kannemeyer. He was a magnificent specimen & by all accounts doing very well.
Q: In the past which horse is the most expensive one, you have sold at this sale?
A: The above Captain Al X Cherry on the Top colt on last year’s sale.
Q: Please tell us a bit more about the farm and how you got involved in running this farm?
A: I was approached by Mrs Oppenheimer when the previous manager retired & jumped at the position It is the arid Northern Cape region, annual rainfall about 300MM. 6000 Hectares, in my opinion, the best farm in the world.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Reading “Wild Ride” for the 3rd time!
Published in The Impact 9 Issue, 2 Vol
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