Eva Bucher-Haefner
Walter Haefner | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Switzerland |
| Died | June 19, 2012 (aged 101) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, racehorse owner and breeder |
| Known for | Largest individual shareholder in Computer Associates International, Inc.; owner of Moyglare Stud Farm |
Walter Haefner (13 September 1910 – 19 June 2012) was a prominent Swiss entrepreneur and a notable owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses, with his operations centered in Ireland.
Haefner launched his professional journey in the automotive sector at General Motors Switzerland. He subsequently secured an automobile franchise in the United Kingdom before establishing a Volkswagen dealership upon his return. Identifying the emerging importance of computing technology, he introduced one of the earliest IBM computer systems to Switzerland in 1957 to enhance the efficiency of his dealership network. This innovation paved the way for the creation of Automation Center A.G. in 1964, a Zurich-based firm specializing in computer services.
In 1976, Haefner expanded his business presence into the United States. By 1987, he had merged his company with Computer Associates International, Inc., which was co-founded by Russell Artzt and Charles Wang. Until his passing, Haefner maintained his position as the largest individual shareholder in CA. Concurrently, he retained control over AMAG Automobil- und Motoren, a leading Swiss car dealership group. At the age of 101, he held the distinction of being the oldest billionaire worldwide.
Haefner’s passion for horse racing brought him into contact with art dealer and breeder Daniel Wildenstein, from whom he acquired various artworks during the mid-1960s.
Moyglare Stud Farm
In 1962, Haefner acquired Moyglare Stud Farm, a 440-acre estate located near Maynooth in County Kildare, Ireland. The farm’s thoroughbred horses have achieved significant success, winning numerous Group One races and British Classics across Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong.
The stable in the United States is managed by trainer Christophe Clement, while Dermot K. Weld oversees Moyglare’s European operations. A landmark achievement occurred in 1991 when Weld became the first trainer based in Europe to secure a victory in Hong Kong; Moyglare’s colt Additional Risk won the Hong Kong Invitational Bowl at Sha Tin Racecourse.
In recognition of Moyglare’s influence on Irish racing, the Curragh Racecourse named a Group I event—the Moyglare Stud Stakes—after the farm in 1975. Furthermore, Trinity College Dublin honored Haefner with an honorary doctorate in 1988 for his significant contributions to Ireland’s bloodstock industry and educational initiatives.
Key major victories by horses owned or bred by Moyglare include:
- Additional Risk – Hong Kong Bowl
- Assert – Prix du Jockey Club, Irish Derby
- Bikala – Prix du Jockey Club, Prix Ganay
- Dance Design – Irish Oaks, Pretty Polly Stakes (twice), Tattersalls Gold Cup
- Definite Article – Tattersalls Gold Cup, National Stakes
- Go And Go – Belmont Stakes
- Media Puzzle – Melbourne Cup
- Refuse To Bend – 2,000 Guineas, National Stakes, Eclipse Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes
- Relaxed Gesture – Canadian International Stakes
- Stanerra – Japan Cup
- Trusted Partner – Irish 1,000 Guineas
- Twilight Agenda – Meadowlands Cup, San Pasqual Handicap, Del Mar Breeders' Cup Mile; career earnings exceeding US$2.1 million
Ownership of Moyglare Stud has passed to Haefner’s daughter Eva Maria Bucher-Haefner. As of 2015, Forbes valued her net worth at approximately US$2.4 billion; she lives with her family in Zurich.