A brilliant Group 1 winner of one of Australia’s toughest elite-level races, the Epsom Handicap, Murrulla Stud is excited to offer Ellsberg for his debut breeding season in 2023, in conjunction with his ownership group.
Only out of the placings five times during his 25-start career, Ellsberg highlighted himself as an elite athlete from the outset. A debut winner at three, he placed in his first of 14 stakes races at just his third start.
Giving his ownership a brilliant ride, Ellsberg performed with huge merit in a host of Australia’s feature races, and never stopped improving throughout his career.
“Tough, honest and he never knew how to give up,” trainer Gerald Ryan summed up. “He had a brilliant attitude, and just the most kind nature of any horse I’ve had.
“Physically, he’s just outstanding - a big, strapping boy who was a pleasure to train the whole way through.”
As a 4-year-old Ellsberg was an outstanding winner of the G3 Liverpool City Cup, after which he was a game second in the G2 Ajax Stakes before a creditable run in the Doncaster, his first Group 1. He was then dropped back in trip to take on the All-Aged Stakes, in which he posted one of his best performances to finish third, ahead of the likes of Mo’unga, Forbidden Love, In The Congo and Hungry Heart.
Ellsberg ended his career in remarkable style towards the end of 2022. After yet another stakes placing in the G2 Shannon Stakes, he was sent into the G1 Epsom Handicap where he showed unending grit and determination to reel in the leaders, leaving four individual elite-level winners in his wake to land a deserved Group 1.
Clearly in the form of his life, Ellsberg was aimed towards the Five Diamonds next, with an eye on the huge prizemoney available. Devastating the Prelude with a 2.5-length romp, he stepped up to 1800 metres for the $2 million feature three weeks later and was never in danger – he even smashed the 1800-metre track record which was held by Intergaze since 1997 by over half a second, carrying 59kg in the process.
“Earning $3.3 million is a mark of pure quality, and we’re really excited to offer Ellsberg this season,” said Tim Nolan of Murrulla Stud. “He’s a beautiful horse, and breeders are going to love him when they set eyes on him.
“He’s retired at the peak of his powers as a Group 1 winner and it’s a great honour to have a horse of his calibre standing his first season at Murrulla.”
Standing at 16.2hh, Ellsberg is an outstanding type. He is truly unforgettable to everyone that meets him, with his impressive physique and beautiful temperament.
He was a ‘must-have’ yearling for Gerald Ryan at Magic Millions in 2019, reminding the trainer of both his father, Spill The Beans, and grandfather, Snitzel, who were similarly tough, consistent and highly talented racehorses for Ryan.
Murrulla Stud looks forward to working with breeders this season, and will offer Ellsberg for $11,000 (inc. GST). Limited breeding rights are available, please call:
Tim Nolan: +61 417 140 712
Celie Nolan: +61 400 301 797
Or, email: timandcelie@murrullastud.com.au
