Oisin Murphy Has Pair in Tattersalls December Sale

Oisin Murphy, whose career reached new heights this season thanks to his association with Horse of the Year Roaring Lion, will offer a mare in foal to Aclaim and her Declaration of War filly at the Tattersalls December Sale. 

Murphy acquired Montjess, an 8-year-old daughter of Montjeu, through Mark McStay for $40,000 at last year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, and used his nomination in Aclaim to cover the mare this spring. 

The rider is well acquainted with Aclaim—a £9,500 option for breeders at the National Stud next year—having won his first group 1 on him in last year's Qatar Prix de la Foret (G1) at Chantilly.

"I've always had an interest in the breeding side of things and I just wanted to dip my toe in the water a little bit," Murphy explained. "I was keen to get my hands on Montjess—she's a big, rangy, and scopey mare—and I'd like to see how she gets on in a British sale having been bought in America. 

"I'd be happy to keep her if she's not making enough money, but she's in foal to Aclaim, who I thought was a good match, and hopefully she'll prove popular, along with her foal. She's the first broodmare I've owned and I've enjoyed the experience. I've done it as a bit of fun—this isn't my job, my job is being a jockey—and so I also want to control the numbers."

Montjess, who placed five times in 17 starts, went unsold for £2,500 ($3,771) at the Doncaster sales in January 2015, the same year her Azamour half sister Covert Love landed the Darley Irish Oaks (G1)-Prix de l'Opera Longines (G1) double. 

She was subsequently purchased that December for 50,000gns ($78,924) by Brookdale Farm, and was re-offered in foal to Declaration of War in November of 2017. 

"Mark (McStay) had been on the lookout for a mare for me, as have David Redvers and Fergus Galvin, so I've a good few people helping me and I take their advice," Murphy said.

"The mare and foal are being consigned by Becky Marsh (of Trinity Park Stud), who has done a fantastic job. I've been over there a few times and the Declaration of War foal has really thrived. She's turned into a fine, big filly with a good physical and walks very well, so we'll see how she gets on."

Since acquiring Montjess, Murphy has purchased other mares, while also holding nominations to Tweenhills Stud trio Hot Streak, Lightning Spear, and Roaring Lion.

Montjess will go under the hammer as lot 1711 Dec. 4, while her filly foal will be offered Nov. 29 as lot 790.