GUN BLOODSTOCK AGENT JOINS DANNY O'BRIEN RACING

After the best part of three years as head of bloodstock, Luke Wilkinson is departing Yulong Investments for a new role with Danny O’Brien Racing. It brings to a close a successful tenure for Wilkinson at the major Victorian breeding operation.

“My time at Yulong has been great,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it. The growth of Yulong has been amazing to be involved with these last few years.”

Wilkinson’s time at Yulong coincided with considerable success for the farm. 

See video below about Wilkinson's new role with Dannny O'Brien Racing.

There was the instalment of G1 Cantala S. winner Yulong Prince (SAf), who was the operation’s first Australian Group 1 winner, plus the homebred, dual Group 1-winning Hungry Heart (Frankel {GB}), whom Wilkinson is especially fond of.

“She was a highlight,” he said. “Seeing her two Group 1 wins on the track while I was there, she holds a very special place in my heart as a great racehorse, and she has more wins in store, I’m sure.”

Wilkinson’s arrival at Yulong in early 2019 came after nearly a decade as the bloodstock manager for trainer Mick Price.

During those years, Wilkinson had sourced a tally of good horses, including the now Champion First Season Sire Extreme Choice, and he was involved in the careers of both Flying Artie and Tarzino (NZ).

His departure to Danny O’Brien will return him to the training environment.

“I’ve been thinking about working in a stable for some time now, and this opportunity that arose was something I couldn’t say no to,” Wilkinson said. “I’m excited to start this new role. Danny runs a fantastic stable with top-class facilities and, moving forward, he wants to drive the focus on the yearling sales and securing the very best horses.”

Story by Jackson Frantz for Thoroughbred Daily News AusNZ

Pic by Racing Photos