Marscay

Marscay was a champion racehorse and sire.

He was bred at Woodlands Stud, Denman in 1979. Marscay was by Biscay out of Heart of Market (USA) by To Market (USA). Marscay was purchased as a yearling by Geoff and Beryl White and trained by successful Sydney mentor Jack Denham

Peter Morris was General Manager at Woodlands Stud when Marscay was bred. He was very truthful about breeding a ‘champion’. He hadn’t placed old USA import ‘Heart of Market’ when he telephoned his good friend David Bath at Bhima Stud. David said he had one nomination left to Biscay if Peter wanted to take it? He did; but not without some reservation. Both were ‘last option’ ageing stallion and mare. ‘And that’s how champions are bred’ Peter later and very honestly disclosed!

Racing Career

As a two-year-old Marscay won the 1982 Golden Slipper Stakes Group 1 over 1200 metres at Rosehill. He was also placed in the Group 1 AJC Sires Produce Stakes over 1400 metres at Randwick and in the Group 3 STC Todman Slipper Trial at Rosehill.

As a three-year-old Marscay won the AJC Group 2 Hobartville Stakes defeating champion Strawberry Road. He also won the Group 3 Up and Coming Stakes and was placed in the Royal Sovereign Stakes. He was retired to Widden Stud in 1983.

In all Marscay won 8 races from 15 starts for prizemoney of $233,840.

Stud Career

Marscay stood at Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley. As a sire Marscay produced 62 stakes winners. He sired Group One winners including the 1993 Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay, AJC Oaks winners Triscay andCircles of Gold, AJC Galaxy winner Jetball and multiple Group 1 winner March Hare.

Marscay was Champion Australian Sire in 1990–91 and 1992–93 and champion Australian Broodmare sire four times. Marscay died at Widden Stud on 13 May 2000.

Marscay was a very big angular rangy individual with a bit of ‘attitude and temperament’. This was in stark contrast to his sire ‘Biscay’ who was the gentlest of animals.