The stud farm, one of the fastest-growing ventures in recent years, faces Its first yearling auction
By Diego H. Mitagstein
The world of the horse racing and horses has a curious way of expanding itself into the lives of racing enthusiasts, gradually transforming them into full-fledged fans. What begins with owning a share in a colt can evolve into a hypnotic passion, leading to a broader vision, such as establishing a stud farm and embarking on the irreversible journey of breeding.
For Maximiliano Enzweiler, the driving force behind Gran Muñeca, this evolution followed that very path. What started small has now grown into one of the most powerful and expanding studs in recent years, marked by rapid success, such as the unforgettable victory of Full Serrano (Full Mast) in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) last November at Del Mar, USA.
Closely related to El Alfalfar (the turquoise and black silks make that connection clear), Gran Muñeca won 3 stakes races in the past week—Churrullera (Fortify), Takeshi Frank (Gidu), and Full Keynote (Full Mast)—and is now gearing up for a new challenge: its first yearlings sale, which will take place next Sunday via an online auction platform hosted by (Arg Sales).
Hernán Gasibe, manager of the farm and working alongside Juan Garat, his mentor, explains: "I wouldn’t say the stud is becoming commercial, but we decided to offer what we have. We work the same way we breed for the stud, driven by numbers and the increasing number of horses we have. We’ve expanded and don’t have enough space for such a large operation. With such a big investment as Gran Muñeca, it’s good to have some revenue as well."
Gasibe continues, "We are passionate about breeding, in love with what we do, and we do it right—giving it our all. But today, we’re putting 51 horses up for sale, which is a wonderful opportunity for Gran Muñeca to share its work and give owners a chance to enjoy it. We’ll wait to see how the market responds, but we’re putting the same quality of horses in the ring that run for the stud."
Gran Muñeca has four stallions at work: the established Full Mast (Mizzen Mast), the promising and effective Gidu(Frankel), Made You Look (More Than Ready), whose first crop is now on offer, and Alfred Munnings (Dubawi), who arrived in 2024.
Among the 17 products from Gran Muñeca’s first generation in 2015, the stud registered 90 births in the last year, and the numbers are promising. With 152 products from the Stud Book Argentino, 99 have won, including 11 in stakes, with 3 G1 winners: the aforementioned Full Serrano, Tan Gritona (Full Mast), Champion 2-Year-Old, and the late Full Keid, winner of the Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1) and 25 de Mayo (G1).
Coraje Gaucho (Lenovo), Lagoa Azul (Lenovo), Cool City (Cityscape), Surge La Envidia (Storm Surge), and Full Caluroso (Full Mast) are also part of the top horses bred by Gran Muñeca. A recent highlight: from the current generation of products, the farm already boasts 5 winners.
With operations spread across fields that once belonged to the JCC, San Lorenzo de Areco, and Comalal studs, and having made substantial investments to acquire winning or placed mares for their breeding program, Gran Muñeca is now facing a new and different challenge, ready to give it their all as they enter a new chapter in their journey.con ilusión.
