There’s a new name in town as Yirribee deal closes

Harness racing enthusiasts be prepared to see a new name amongst breeding game – Wingate Farm.

That will be the rebranded operation of the existing Yirribee Pacing Stud that will be taken over by horseman Jake Stockton as of September 1.

The Riverina-based trainer-driver has negotiated to purchase the breeding operation and is looking forward to being back in the sport full-time.

“I’ve been working in pest control and have always been in the building game but I’m looking forward to be a part of harness racing full-time,” said the 38-year-old.

“We are taking over Yirribee Stud and rebranding it Wingate Farm . . . my partner Jess came up with the name.

“We’ve been going really well with the horses we’ve bred at the yearlings sales the last few years and really wanted to expand on that.

“We went from breeding five or six mares and this year we have 17 mares in foal and wanted to do it full-time.

“When Yirribee Stud was listed for sale we were excited about the opportunity so we decided to take it.

“We were actually looking to renovate our farm and had DA approval and bricks arrive on the property but we pulled the pin on that and we will sell our farm now.”

Stockton’s property is on the other side of Wagga Wagga to where Yirribee Stud is located, so the move for the family of four is not a big one.

Stockton, his partner and their two children Jack and Molly will all be a part of Wingate Farm.

“We are really looking forward to expanding the current operation and the kids are excited about the move,” said Stockton.

“We’ll be standing four stallions at the farm, Tintin In America, Warrawee Needy, Lennytheshark and Be Happy Mac and will also have frozen semen available for Fear The Dragon.

“Roger Strong has been a part of Yirribee for a long time as a stud master and he is staying on to help us.

“Outside of breeding and foaling down we also want to make full use of the facility and with the water-walker we are looking to delve into rehabilitation and pre-training as well.”

Stockton has been a trainer and driver since the 2011/12 season.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink