A successful and long-standing association will be dissolved with Luke Wilkinson taking on a fresh challenge as head of bloodstock and racing for the rapidly-growing Yulong operation.
For the last nine years Wilkinson has been leading Caulfield trainer Mick Price’s Bloodstock Manager, and is leaving with the Group 1 winning trainer’s blessing.
“People come and go and Luke has learned a lot in his time here,” Price said.
“He’s got a passion for the game and he’s done very well and will continue to do very well. We’re good friends and he’s got a bright future.”
“We’re good friends and he’s got a bright future.” – Mick Price.
Yulong Chief Executive Officer Sam Fairgray is delighted that Wilkinson has taken the opportunity, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Luke Wilkinson (centre) with Levi Kavanagh and Andy Williams
“Luke was the first person that came to mind for the position,” he said.
“He has a good brain for thoroughbreds, is highly regarded and respected among 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.
“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 working with trainers.
“He has a great strike rate with colts and is known to do the right thing by fillies.” – Sam Fairgray.
“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.”
Luke has an astute eye for bloodstock purchases
Wilkinson has been involved with numerous stakes winners in his time with Price, including the selection of the G1 Blue Diamond S. and G1 Moir S. Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt) and subsequent sale to Newgate.
“I have learned so much being the bloodstock manager at Mick Price Racing for the past nine years.” - Luke Wilkinson.
He has been closely involved in the careers of G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Flying Artie (Artie Schiller {USA}), G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Encosta de Lago), G1 Ubet Classic winner Secret Agenda (Not A Single Doubt) and the G1 VRC Derby and G1 Rosehill Guineas hero Tarzino (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).
“I have learned so much being the bloodstock manager at Mick Price Racing for the past nine years,” Wilkinson said.
“Mick has been a wonderful influence and mentor to help develop my knowledge in both the sales ring and on the track.
Luke has been closely involved in the career of G1 winner Secret Agenda
“I want to thank Mick for being so supportive of this opportunity, encouraging me to take the next stage in my career.”
“Mick has been a wonderful influence and mentor to help develop my knowledge in both the sales ring and on the track.” – Luke Wilkinson.
“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 active on both sides of the fence as a vendor with Yulong’s debut Melbourne draft, and as a buyer selecting racing and breeding prospects to add to Yulong’s growing stable.
This weekend also marks the first appearance of Grunt (NZ (O'Reilly {NZ}) in the Yulong silks when he resumes in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue at Flemington on 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.”
