Racing industry heavyweights react to shock closure of Mungrup Stud

WA Magic Millions manager David Houston says the closure of Mungrup Stud will leave “a massive hole” in the breeding industry. That reaction comes after the shock news Mungrup Stud, in Narrikup, will shut down after 40 years as a proven thoroughbred nursery. Mungrup Stud sold 31 yearlings at the 2020 Magic Millions Perth sale in February to be the top vendor of the 33 studs that participated. Houston said the effect of Mungrup’s business ceasing would be felt on a number of fronts. “We’re disappointed; it leaves a massive hole in the industry,” Houston said. “Genuinely, our whole company is very sad (Mungrup) will no longer be acting as it has over the last 40 years. “They have been the leading vendor a number of times and usually supply the most yearlings at the sales. “It’s also the flow-on effect; the local people they employed and they also raced a lot of horses.” Houston said there would be strong interest in the Mungrup stock at their dispersal sale set to take place in August. “There will be huge interest locally for the stallions and I’m sure the dispersal sale will be well supported,” he said. “This is something we certainly don’t need but there is opportunity for other people to take up the reins and to grow their own businesses.” Racing and Wagering WA racing manager Charlotte Mills thanked the Williamson family for their 40 years of service to the WA racing industry. “RWWA is deeply saddened by the news,” Mills said. “Mungrup Stud is a well-known WA institution whose legacy reaches far greater than just breeding, with it extending to the broader racing industry through their support of local race clubs, including sponsorship of the Mungrup Stud Sprint. “The family-run business has continued to produce high-quality thoroughbreds as evidenced by their leading sires, and they have played an important role in representing breeder interests.” Leading Albany trainer Steve Wolfe said the loss of Mungrup Stud was devastating. “It’s something that can’t be replaced,” Wolfe said. “It is a sad day that we lose these people to racing. I’m very pro-Mungrup and their professionalism and it’s a real pity. “People don’t understand the enormity of these things.” Wolfe said the Great Southern would be hit hard by the news. “This will leave a big hole in our area; they supply a lot of horses to people who will have to go some-where else now,” he said. “We’re losing something else from the Great Southern and I’m devastated.”