This week we will be meeting our Newest Trainer, Chris Munce and his stable.
Before becoming a trainer, Chris Munce was a highly successful jockey. Born in Casino, Chris moved to Sydney to further his riding career. His earliest major win was the Group One Epsom Handicap in 1995 aboard Nick’s Joy, who was trained by Ron Quinton.
Chris’s riding career spanned for an impressive 29 years. During that time he won 42 Group One races, most notably the following:
- 1998 Melbourne Cup aboard Jezabeel, trained by Brian Jenkins.
- 1998 Golden Slipper aboard Prowl, trained by Clarry Conners. And again in 2004 aboard the Gai Waterhouse trained Dance Hero.
- 2004 Cox plate aboard Savabeel, trained by Graeme Rogerson.
- 2010 Caulfield Cup riding Descarado, trained by Gai Waterhouse.
Chris had also won the Group One Stradbroke Handicap twice. First in 1997 when partnering mare Dane Ripper, and again in 2000 on the Noel Mayfield-Smith trained Landsighting.
Hanging up the boots.
Chris turned his hand to training in January 2015, having had his last ride at the Gold Coast on the 10th of January.
Taking over from his father-in-law, Barry Mitchell, Chris opened his stables at Eagle Farm.
His first runner was Forest Way on the 17th of January 2015, not long thereafter Chris trained his first winner on the 25th of February 2015. A metropolitan winner called Specific Choice.
Continuing his success, Chris has had victories with horses such as Boomsara. This gelding afforded Chris a win in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (Restricted Listed) worth $2,000,000. Boomsara had 27 starts for five wins and 6 placings, accumulating a total prizemoney win of $1,723,075. Quite a handy horse to have!
Another stable star was Ours To Keep. He was Chris’s first group winner, accomplishing the Group 3 B.J. Mc Lachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm. He won this race on the 31st of December 2016, a wonderful achievement in such a short space of time.
Family Ties
Munce racing is built on a hands-on family ethos. Chris works alongside his wife Cathy Munce, who is an established horsewoman. Cathy works in the office and assists Chris with the administration side of the business, however she can also be found rolling up her sleeves and helping out in the yard. An accomplished show rider, Cathy has a love and passion for horses.
Also joining the workforce are Chris’s son and daughter, Corey Munce and Caitlin Munce. Corey is one of the stable foreman and Caitlin rides and works as a stable hand. By having the family all working together, you can ensure they’re all striving for the same success.
Getting Involved
Munce Racing have recently joined Stridyl’s Ownership Marketplace. We’re excited to have them on board and to showcase the ownership opportunities they have available.
Stridyl recently spent some time at Munce Racing and we can’t wait to showcase their fantastic content.
Chris has 9 horses available, all boasting various pedigrees to suit every budget. So if you’re looking for racehorse ownership, please see below. Over the years Chris has been associated with many Group One horses, so he knows what to look for in a yearling. If you’d like to become part of the team and enjoy the ride that is racehorse ownership, head to our Ownership Marketplace.
North Pacific x Champagne Boom
Russian Revolution x Crimson And Clover
Interestingly enough, Chris rode stallion All Too Hard in the Group One George Main (2012) and again in the Group One Cox Plate (2012) where he finished second, beaten only by 0.3L!
