Episode 193: Harry Mitchell

Harry pays tribute to the super sire I Am Invincible who has been a sensation on the Australian breeding scene in recent years. He reveals the chain of events which led to the purchase of a half share in I Am Invincible, when a new stallion was required for the Mitchell family’s Yarraman Park Stud near Scone(NSW). Harry remembers the first time he saw the horse at the Victorian stables of Peter Morgan. He was “blown away”. He talks of the humbling experience of having I Am Invincible selected as the consort for two of the greatest mares in Australian racing history. The respected breeder reminisces about his late father’s acquisition of Yarraman Park from its previous owner, legendary jockey George Moore. Harry acknowledges the courage and vision of his father Major Mitchell who left England to start a new life in Australia with his wife and three young sons. He talks of the tough days when Yarraman Park stood a number of mediocre sires. Harry pays tribute to Catbird and Magic Albert, the stallions to put Yarraman Park “on the map”. He talks of the sad demise of brilliant stallion Hinchinbrook following a bizarre accident on the property. Harry pays tribute to his brother Bill who trained successfully for more than twenty years, posting 11 Group 1 wins. The co-manager of Yarraman Park talks of the stud’s long association with Inglis. He recalls the day when the stud supplied the top colt and top filly at an Inglis Easter sale.