Oisin Murphy to offer mare and foal at 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 carrying to Aclaim and her Declaration Of War filly foal at the Tattersalls December Sale.

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

The rider is well acquainted with – a £9,500 option for breeders at the National Stud next year – having won his first Group 1 on him in last year's Prix de la Foret 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," explained Murphy.

"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, was led out unsold for £2,500 at the Doncaster sales in January 2015, the same year her Azamour half-sister Covert Love landed the Irish Oaks-Prix de l'Opera double.

She was subsequently purchased that December for 50,000gns by Brookdale Farm and Sales, and was re-offered in foal to Declaration Of War last November.

"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," said Murphy.

"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 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 on Tuesday, December 4, while her filly foal will be offered this Thursday evening as .

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