In today's installment of 2022 Rapid Round we feature a quick-fire round with Luke Wilkinson the Bloodstock Acquisition and Sales Manager for Danny O’Brien Racing.
TDN AusNZ: What is your first memory related to horses?
Luke Wilkinson: My father had a share in a horse called Top View with trainer Barry Bourke and later Ernie Ewert. My extended family were all in the horse and we all used to go and watch him race. I remember being on the fence when he won at Flemington. I would have been three or four years old at the time. My father always had a small share in a horse when I was young and I was hooked from an early age.
TDN AusNZ: What was your first job in the thoroughbred industry?
LW: It wasn’t actually a paying job but during my time at Marcus Oldham College I spent some time with Michael Freedman when he trained in partnership at Markdel with his brothers. It was brilliant and I learnt a lot just asking questions and listening to Michael in what he looked for in a horse. God I feel old that was 20 years ago this year.
Luke Wilkinson | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria
TDN AusNZ: What pathways led you to become the Bloodstock Acquisition and Sales Manager for Danny O’Brien Racing?
LW: I completed the Marcus Oldham equine management course in 2002. I then found my way for a couple of years in the industry before taking a job in sales and nominations at Eliza Park (three years) before a further three years at Moonee Valley Race Club in membership and raceday sales. I then did 10 years as bloodstock manager for Mick Price Racing before taking a three-year contract with Yulong Investments as racing manager.
TDN AusNZ: What part of your job would people not know you do?
LW: I am in the stable six days a week so I watch the track gallops of our horses regularly. I like being involved in the stable and watching the purchases progress and head to the races. Some might think I just buy the yearlings and then don’t see them until raceday but that is not the case.
TDN AusNZ: Which racehorse, ever, do you think was the best type?
LW: For me I loved the type of horse Lankan Rupee was. A good-sized, sprinting-type son of Redoute's Choice. He had a bit of leg also but all in all he was a proper good sort.
Five-time Group 1 winner Lankan Rupee
TDN AusNZ: What was the most impressive racing performance of the 2021/22 season?
LW: Home Affairs winning the Coolmore Stud S. at Flemington was the most impressive. He looks an exciting prospect at stud this year.
TDN AusNZ: What is your most memorable purchase working for Danny O’Brien?
LW: Early days with the purchases for Danny O’Brien but I love the filly purchased at Magic Millions by Not A Single Doubt out of Rina Bettina ($375,000) from the Bhima draft. I have had a bit of luck with the stallion and I am super excited by this filly.
TDN AusNZ: Who is your pick of the first-season sires?
LW: Always a lottery but I guess Trapeze Artist has the best credentials to win it this season. I liked his yearlings and we have a couple here at Danny O’Brien’s that are nice. There is also a nice colt here in training by Saxon Warrior and another by Real Steel. I’m not sure they will be 2-year-olds but they are nice colts all the same.
Trapeze Artist | Standing at Widden Stud
TDN AusNZ: When inspecting yearlings, what are your top three must-haves?
LW: I am really type driven when inspecting yearlings. I need them to have good knees and fetlocks. Good strength is also something I am looking for and I have a style of walk that I like. More of a sharp, energetic type of walk.
TDN AusNZ: What advice would you give to an aspiring person wanting to work in the industry?
LW: Go for it. Don’t be timid just go out and get what you want. Don’t be scared to talk to someone in the industry or shadow someone with industry experience at the races or at a sale. Read everything you can get your hands on, ask heaps of questions and just absorb yourself in this game. It’s a great game and it rewards hard work and persistence.
TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
LW: Tough one. Maybe Nick Melmeth at Inglis Digital. I love the online product and I am intrigued by its success and how it is run. I am sure it is a bit hectic there behind the scenes during a sale.
Luke Wilkinson inspecting weanlings | Image courtesy of Inglis
TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?
LW: I will leave that to smarter people than me. I would just like to see the industry continue to grow and stay strong in 2022 and onwards.
