Yulong is delighted to announce that former Bloodstock Manager for Mick Price Racing, Luke Wilkinson will be joining the rapidly growing Yulong operation to head their bloodstock and racing division.
Sam Fairgray,
Yulong's COO is thrilled Wilkinson has taken the opportunity, bringing with him
his extensive horse knowledge and passion for the industry.
"Luke was the first person that came to mind for the position. He has a good brain for thoroughbreds, is highly regarded and respected amongst his colleagues and having been with Mick Price for nine years, it's a great testament to his loyalty and professionalism. He will be a valuable asset to Yulong, and a great assistance to me," Fairgray said.
"He has a great strike rate with colts and is known to do the right thing by fillies. He can place them in the right races with clever programming and has vital experience with how to work with trainers. Known to have an astute eye for bloodstock purchases, a lot of the horses he has secured over the years for Mick Price and clients, have delivered great success."
"Luke had already developed a solid association with Yulong, through horses Mr Zhang has raced with the Mick Price stable."
While Wilkinson is just as thrilled to take up the role and is excited to work together with the Yulong team to continue building the emerging brand in the future.
"I have learnt so much being the bloodstock manager at Mick Price Racing for the past nine years. Mick has been a wonderful influence and mentor to help develop my knowledge in both the sales ring and on the track. I want to thank Mick for being so supportive of this opportunity, encouraging me to take the next stage in my career," Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson was fortunate to have been involved with many Group and Stakes winners throughout his time Mick Price Racing, and while the selection and sale of Extreme Choice is probably what he is most noted for. He has been closely involved in the careers of Flying Artie, Mighty Boss, Secret Agenda and Tarzino.
"I have been involved in the careers of so many great colts and top-class fillies during my time with Mick Price Racing. I look forward to a bright future with the many wonderful horses raced by Yulong Investments."
Officially on board for the Inglis Premier sales, Wilkinson will be on both sides of the cards, being a vendor with Yulong's debut Melbourne draft, and as a buyer, selecting racing and breeding prospects to add to Yulong's growing stable of stars.
While it is also a big weekend on the racetrack, with Grunt carrying the Yulong silks when he resumes in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue at Flemington over 1400 metres this Saturday.
"I am close friends with the group of long-term stable clients involved with Grunt and it is a thrill to see them have incredible success on the track with two Group 1 wins," Wilkinson said.
"They have had a great ride, and to now be a part of a future stallion prospect for Yulong, there will be plenty of cheering from all connections as he continues his brilliant racing career."
