About Us

Sledmere Stud is situated just three hours drive from Sydney at Scone — the heartland of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry. Renowned for a long and illustrious history as a leading thoroughbred nursery, our purpose-built property now comprises 700 prime acres of undulating paddocks, all pasture improved and irrigated, with the majority being post and rail fenced.

Sledmere Stud’s proud history dates back to 1920 when thoroughbred industry icon Guy Raymond co-founded the property, before subsequently moving to Victoria to establish St Albans Stud at Geelong. It was at St Albans that Guy, with the assistance of his daughter Ann, would prove responsible for horses of the calibre of Great Britain (1942 VRC Derby and Caulfield Guineas), Red Fury (1948 Caulfield Cup), champion racemare Tranquil Star (20 stakes-wins from 1941 to 1946 including the Cox Plate twice, Caulfield Cup and the Mackinnon Stakes three times) and 1948 Melbourne Cup winner Rimfire.

Half a Century later, Ann Raymond regained ownership of Sledmere Stud in the family name and quickly developed an enviable reputation of her own when also responsible for a succession of distinguished racetrack and stud performers. Ann was to breed the 1996 QTC Queensland Derby and VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Valance, and purchased in utero the celebrated multiple Group winning sprinter Gold Brose — a significantly influential stallion during an ill-fated stud career.

Gold Brose‘s dam Cryptic Verse was in turn to become a cornerstone of Sledmere Stud under Ann Raymond’s ownership. All eight of her foals were to prove winners, including Dyslexia, Bewilder, Cryptique and Lyrics. Ann retained all of the fillies, and Lyrics has continued the family’s success with all seven of her foals proving to be winners too, including the celebrated race filly and broodmare Pane In The Glass.

A lifetime member of the NSW Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association until her passing, Ann also bred the Guy Walter-trained Group 3 winner Star Alight (a Group 1 AJC Oaks placegetter) and the stakes-placed gelding Glenrowan.

These days, Ann’s niece Catriona Murphy is the latest generation of the family to take up the reins at Sledmere Stud, alongside her husband Royston (who joined Sledmere after managing the equally historic Segenhoe Stud). Under their stewardship, the farm has produced graduates which include Group 1 winners Invincibella, Snapdancer, Icebath (NZ), Communist, Little Brose and Ozzmosis, as well as multiple Pattern Race winners Veight, Revolutionary Miss etc.

Catriona and Royston’s extensive background in the thoroughbred industry amounts to a wealth of expertise and knowledge. Sledmere clients can be assured that their respective bloodstock portfolio receives the utmost care and attention, and is afforded every opportunity to fulfil its potential.

The stud is just five kilometres from Scone Veterinary’s intensive care foaling unit, and is close to Scone racecourse and the airport.

FACILITIES INCLUDE

• Double fenced paddocks
• Shelters in paddocks & yards
• 70 boxes
• 8 and 10 horse walker
• Round yard
• Brand new crush and vet facility
• 24-hour resident vet
• Hospital barn with heated floors & air-conditioned boxes