Having previously operated as a “hobby breeder”, boarding a few mares at her parents Mauritzfontein Stud, Mary Slack decided to establish her own farm and to enter the world of the “commercial breeder”.

The farm known today as Wilgerbosdrift, was purchased in 1997 and the building of stables and the creation of paddocks and camps commenced in 1998. The original 5 mares transferred from Mauritzfontein in May 1998. The first ever yearling draft consigned by Wilgerbosdrift were sent to the 1999 National Yearling Sales. The draft comprised just three yearlings, two colts and a filly. Both colts proved more than useful, getting the new operation off to a flying start.

In each of the 6 subsequent years, the Wilgerbosdrift draft has increased, in terms of both quantity and quality. This is evidenced by Wilgerbosdrift’s rapid rise to the top of the vendors lists. Leading consignors by average in both 2004 and 2005, Wilgerbosdrift’s WONDER LAWN became the highest priced yearling in South African history when he was knocked down for R3,3 million at the 2005 NYS.

This spectacular demand for Wilgerbosdrift yearlings is a result of their racecourse achievements. Despite limited represenatation, small crops and a very short history, Wilgerbosdrift is already firmly established as a nursery of Champions.

DYNASTY, one of just 5 yearlings consigned at the 2000 NYS, takes pride of place at the head of the “Wilgerbosdrift Honour Roll”. Undisputed Champion at three, he swept all before him on his way to annexing the coveted Equus Horse-Of-The-Year title in 2003. Now a sought-after sire at Highlands Farms Stud, the arrival of progeny on the racetracks is keenly awaited.

Worldwide, Classic races, are the barometers of excellence. Wilgerbosdrift breds have won the last three runnings of the South African Guineas (now the KZN Guineas). DYNASTY (2003), HEIR APPARENT (2004) and the ill-fated DUNSINANE (2005) combined to give Wilgerbosdrift a unique Classic hat-trick.

More “Classic” history was made on Saturday 1 April 2006 when ELUSIVE FORT (Fort Wood), BENNIE BLUE (Rich Man’s Gold) and SUN SCREEN (Rich Man’s Gold) filled the first 3 places in the Gr1 SA Derby. All three, born, bred and raised by Wilgerbosdrift.

Other Wilgerbosdrift Classic winners include the Oaks winner, STUDIO FIFTYFOUR, one of just 3 fillies consigned to the NYS of 2002. The draft of 2002, comprised just 8 yearlings, yielded 100%winners, including Classic winners STUDIO FIFTY FOUR and HEIR APPARENT, graded winner GOLDEN ORIOLE, Hong Kong Class 1 winner, LUTYENS and the top class sprinter ICY BLAST. BERLUSCONI’s triumph in the Lagoon Beach Juvenile Stakes on Met Day 2006, was the first two-year-old stakes winner from the 2005 National Yearling Sales draft, was further proof that Wilgerbosdrift-breds win feature races over all distances, at all ages.
RICH MAN’S GOLD(USA), Champion Freshman sire of Chile, arrived to take up residence at Wilgerbosdrift in 2001. Already the sire of a host of international stakes winners, RICH MAN’S GOLD(USA) firmly established himself as sire of the highest order when his son LIDO PALACE won 3 Gr1 races in the USA. Sadly, RICH MAN’S GOLD(USA) passed away during the 2005 breeding season, leaving a legacy of just 4 crops. RIGHT APPROACH (GB), a Gr1 winning son of Machavellian and TIGER RIDGE(USA), a Champion sire in Florida, both arrived in 2006 and should prove suitable replacements.
The current Wilgerbosdrift Broodmare band has grown to just over 50 mares and includes a host of stakes winners and stakes producers. BLAKES AFFAIR, dam of Horse-Of-The-Year- DYNASTY , takes pride of place. Other proven stakes producers include, CATHAY FIRTH, CYBER CENTO, DANCE OF LOVE, DORADELLA, , ITALIA NOVENTA, KENMARE BELLE, MISTY DANCING, MY SQUEEZA, RUNNING NORTH, SLEW’S REVIEW(USA) and SQUEAKY CLEAN. Mares who themselves were Graded stakes-winners include BEST CHRIS, ILHA DA VITORIA, EMERALD BEAUTY and VELVET GREEN. Recent Northern Hemisphere blue-bloods who have arived at Wilgerbosdrift include KUBA (Sadler’s Wells), NUNBRIDLED (Unbridled), QUAESTIO(Seeking The Gold –in foal to Oasis Dream) and SERRA NEGRA (Kris –in foal to Pivotal).
The 2006 Equus Awards were further proof of WILGERBOSDRIFT's rise to prominence. In addition to Mary Slack receiving the award for Leading Owner in her personal capacity, WILGERBOSDRIFT was voted the OUTSTANDING BREEDER for 2006.

Wilgerbosdrift breds also received three individual Championship Awards:

KILDONAN (Rich Man's Gold - Cathay Firth) Champion 2-Y-O Colt.

ASYLUM SEEKER (Count Dubois - Running North) Champion 2-Y-O Filly.
ELUSIVE FORT (Fort Wood - Ever Seeking) Champion Male Stayer.

In a short space of time WILGERBOSDRIFT has become firmly established as a leading producer of quality bloodstock. Not satisfied with past achievements, both the stud and the bloodlines are being constantly upgraded.

The quest remains, “to breed a better horse than last year’s”.