Mungrup Stud reaches the finish line after 40 years of operation in WA racing industry

Mungrup Stud part-owner Gray Williamson believes the legacy from their 40 years in the breeding industry will be felt for decades to come, after the announcement last week they will be shutting their Narrikup-based business. Mr Williamson and business partner Jan Williamson have made the decision to shut their family-run stud that has developed into WA’s leading stallion farm. In a massive blow to the WA breeding industry, Mungrup Stud will close the doors on their successful operation within the next three months. Last Thursday’s announcement came “with great sadness” just months after a bumper Magic Millions Perth yearling sale. Mungrup Stud, one of the largest breeders in the State, finished as WA’s top vendor by sales, selling more than 30 horses for a gross amount that totalled more than $1.8 million in February. Fittingly after last week’s news Group 1-winning filly Kay Cee, by Playing God, made a winning return to racing in Saturday’s listed Raconteur Stakes at Belmont Park. Mungrup Stud grew immensely from the humble beginnings of a $700 stallion and a blind broodmare to producing multiple black type winners. Mr Williamson said the stud’s legacy will continue on for years. “Mungrup's going out on a high,” he said. “Our stallions are excelling and the next generations of Mungrup-bred champions will grace the racetracks in the years to come and our breeding legacy will be felt for decades. “A very sad but proud moment in time.” Mrs Williamson, who was recognised by Racing and Wagering WA for her four decades of service to the industry with the Ladies of Racing Dedication to Racing Award, said it had been a wonderful journey. “Heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful people that have been a part of Mungrup's achievements and successes,” she said. “A special thanks to my family and my work family who have supported me throughout the workload of stud life. “Many happy years and now it’s time for a change of pace.” There will be a dispersal sale in August where the stud’s leading stallion Playing God and the promising I’m All The Talk will be sold along with Oratorio and A Lot plus weanlings, broodmares, yearlings and two-year-old horses. In Mungrup’s statement on Thursday morning, a decision to close the business came after “a need by the partners to move on, in different directions”. “In determining the best course of action for all — family, dedicated and loyal staff, clients, business associates, general supporters and themselves Gray and Jan Williamson have announced, with great sadness, that the business they have developed over 40 years will be wound up over the next three months,” the statement read. “There have been so many wonderful moments in the span of Mungrup’s operation ... producing the winners of two Railways Stakes, four Karrakatta Plates, five Perth Magic Millions 2YO winners, six WA Guineas winners. “Very few black type races in WA have escaped being won by a Mungrup horse and it is something we all can be very proud of.”