Having operated previously as a remount station for the British Army during the Boer War, Mauritzfontein was bought by Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer in 1945. The couple became involved in horse racing shortly after the war, in the 1940s. Kimberley was headquarters of the De Beers Mining Company, of which Harry Oppenheimer was Chairman, and was represented by Oppenheimer in Parliament, a seat which he held from 1948 to 1957.
A dynasty through the ages
Mauritzfontein is only 15 minutes from the centre of Kimberley, so it seemed the perfect place to build their home from home and begin their breeding operations. In 1951, Mauritzfontein imported its first stallion, Janus who was by Pharis and had been a top-class racehorse in France. Janus was the sire of Tiger Fish (Durban July Handicap), Open Sea and Ellation. He also sired Baccarat and Dame de Coeur- both of whom where back to back winners of the Oaks (1962-62).
Stallions
Roll of honour
2021
CELTIC SEA
Wins Sceptre S, Gr.2
2020
CELTIC SEA
Equus Champion Older Filly/Mare
Wins SA Fillies Sprint, Gr.1
Sceptre S, Gr.2
Southern Cross S, Gr.2
SUMMER PUDDING
Winner of Triple Tiara
Equus Champion 3YO Filly
Equus Horse of the Year
Wins Summer Cup, Gr.1
Woolavington 2000, Gr.1
SA Fillies Classic, Gr.1
SA Oaks, Gr.2
Gauteng Fillies Guineas, Gr.2
IMPERIAL RUBY
Wins Gold Bowl, Gr.3
WORLD RADAR
Wins Champagne S, Gr.3
East Cape Breeders S, L
MERCURANA
Wins Kenilworth Cup, L
HERRIN
Wins Lady’s Slipper S, L
2019
CELTIC SEA
Equus Champion 3YO Year Old Filly
Wins Garden Province S, Gr.1
SA Fillies Sprint, Gr.1
SUMMER PUDDING
Wins Fillies Mile, Gr.3
BARAHIN
Wins Charity Mile, Gr.2
Jubilee H, Gr.3
2018
NOTHER RUSSIA
Equus Champion Older Filly/Mare
Wins Empress Club S, Gr.1
CELTIC SEA
Wins Golden Slipper, Gr.2
Pretty Polly S, Gr.3
SMART CALL
Wins Hoppings S, Gr.3
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