United by a strong passion 
for 
thoroughbreds and racing

In 1996, Marion and Philipp Stauffenberg started to breed under the name GRAF UND GRÄFIN STAUFFENBERG and boarded their mares and youngstock mainly in Ireland and the UK. But in 1999 they turned their dream into reality and set up their own breeding operation at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN. 

Philipp grew up with horses and used to be a passionate show jumper until he fell in love with thoroughbred breeding and racing. He was active in leading positions at various stud farms since 1985 and now acts as the manager of the breeding operation. Marion on the other hand was an active dressage rider and got her passion for thoroughbreds and racing from her father, who was the publisher of German racing newspaper "Sport Welt". She started racing horses under her own name in 1989 and bred her first horse in 1993. Today, Marions and Philipps horses race under the original champagne and bordeaux racing colours designed by Marions father. 

Quality over quantity 
With this approach, Philipp and Marion have developed a selected band of broodmares. Their offspring are sold at all the major sales in Europe, whilst some fillies are retained to continue breeding with their most successful families. The number of broodmares ranges around ten and are mainly homebred, some in third generation already. Together Marion and Philipp have raced and/or bred a number of champions over the years: Classic winners CENTAINE and QUE BELLE, as well as FOUR SINS and LADY MARIAN, and most recently the 2023 German Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON.