Yulong lands major Hunter Valley prize with Segenhoe Stud acquisition

Yulong has announced the landmark acquisition of Segenhoe Stud, marking a major step in its expansion into the Hunter Valley, Australia’s premier thoroughbred breeding region.

The deal represents a significant investment in elite bloodstock development and will see Yulong establish a second major stallion operation in Australia.

Spanning 1,400 acres, Segenhoe Stud is regarded as one of the Hunter Valley’s most prestigious properties, with a rich history dating back to 1908.

The farm has produced top-level performers including Group 1 winners Pride Of Jenni and Joliestar, alongside a long list of stakes performers across more than a century of breeding excellence.

Its reputation has been built on both racetrack success and strong results in the sales ring, underpinned by generations of careful management and development.

The property features fertile river flats and rolling hills, creating ideal conditions for raising thoroughbreds from foaling through to racing and breeding careers.

Outgoing chairman Kevin Maloney reflected on the farm’s success under his family’s stewardship.

“Segenhoe has been run as a family enterprise and the family is pleased to welcome Yulong as the new owners, particularly given the professional approach it has demonstrated with its other racing interests.”

Yulong’s acquisition will see the property become its first stallion base in New South Wales, complementing its established Victorian operation and expanding access to its growing roster of sires.

Chief Operating Officer Sam Fairgray outlined the strategic thinking behind the move.

“Natural progression and expansion of our colt purchases, both as yearlings and racehorses, has led to us now focusing on developing a stallion facility in New South Wales,” Fairgray said.

“We have a beautiful property and facilities in Victoria, along with some regally bred bloodstock, and this operation will continue to remain a strong focus for us. Our stallion barn however filled very quickly so to expand the operation to both states was the next logical step in Yulong’s development.”

Plans are already underway for a major redevelopment of Segenhoe’s infrastructure, including a new stallion barn and purpose-built servicing facilities capable of housing up to 10 stallions.

These upgrades will focus on horse welfare, efficiency and maintaining industry-leading standards.

Yulong General Manager Jun Zhang emphasised the broader vision behind the acquisition.

“This is not simply an expansion of our footprint, but a reflection of our confidence in the future of the Australian thoroughbred industry.”

“We believe Segenhoe provides an outstanding foundation to build a world-class stallion operation in New South Wales, and we are committed to investing in its people, its horses and its long-term success.”

Yulong’s existing stallion roster has already enjoyed early success, with each Victorian-based sire producing stakes winners and Group 1 performers from their first crops.

“We plan to continue this trend with our new sires,” Fairgray added.

“Standing stallions that we believe will work with the Australian broodmare population is what we set out to achieve and we welcome breeders to call and discuss mating plans with any of our team.”

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