Our Team
Behind every successful organisation is a dedicated and hard-working team of professionals. We are proud to introduce them to you.
Staff Profiles
At Wingrove Park Pty.Ltd we our proud to introduce our astute team of workers that make our operation possible.
Joseph A Vella
FAIM, Chief Executive Officer
Joseph is a very experienced horseman.
He was the founder of a very large I.T Outsourcing Company that he owned for 28 years but always had a passion for the equine industry. After selling his business in 2007, Joseph retired to Wingrove Park to mainly concentrate on the breeding and racing of thoroughbreds in Australia and internationally.
Joseph has completed many equine studies that relate to equine nutrition, breeding, veterinary activities and equine fitness. Joseph is a hands-on executive at Wingrove Park who oversees all concepts of running the stud.
Apart from having extensive experience in the thoroughbred industry, Joseph is a qualified National Stock horse judge and is regularly asked to judge horses at shows around Australia. Joseph also has extensive experience in thoroughbred pedigree matching.
Daira Vella
Director
Daira is an experienced horse women who fully understands the importance of preparing horses whether it be in the yearling barn or preparing show horses.
Daira is also a hands-on person that bring 25 years of equine experience to the team. Daira is a proud member of the Victorian Wakeful Club which encourages the networking and participation of women throughout the thoroughbred industry.
Julius Sandhu
Horse Trainer
Julius was appointed Wingrove Park’s trainer in 2022 and shares our love of the horse and has their wellbeing as his priority.
From a boutique team of horses from the state of the art Cranbourne Training Centre, Julius is often in the metropolitan winners stall and has won numerous black-type races.
Shane Patterson
Horse Breaker
From the famous Patterson family based at Flemington racecourse, Shane is the important educator of all young horses at Wingrove Park.
As well as doing an exceptional job with our yearlings with great horsemanship skills, Shane is also a Clerk of the Course and has led back to scale many Melbourne Cup winners.
Shane is the son of John “Patto” Patterson who has been located at Flemington racecourse since 1958.
Dr. John Kohnke
Nutrition and Practical Health
Dr John Kohnke’s knowledge in the area of equine nutrition and general equine management is extensively used at Wingrove Park.
Wingrove Park have been using Dr John Kohnke’s nutrition formulation for the past 30 years.
The success of Wingrove Park racehorses is a clear result of using Dr John Kohnke’s formulated feed program.
Qualifications: BVSc, RDA
Dr Alison Miles
Equine Verterinarian
Dr Alison files is the proprietor of Romsey Equine Services.
Romsey Equine Services provides veterinary and breeding services to horses in the Macedon Ranges and is a vital part for the caring of all horses at Wingrove Park.
Mark Parsons
Farrier
Mark is the proprietor of MP Farrier Services.
With 20 years of experience in horse shoeing and specializing in corrective shoeing and trims, Mark’s role is a vital one to ensure all our horses remain in great condition no matter their stage in life.
Jibby
Horse Nanny
From the famous Patterson family based at Flemington racecourse, Shane is the important educator of all young horses at Wingrove Park.
As well as doing an exceptional job with our yearlings with great horsemanship skills, Shane is also a Clerk of the Course and has led back to scale many Melbourne Cup winners.
Shane is the son of John “Patto” Patterson who has been located at Flemington racecourse since 1958.
Rosey
Head of Security
Rosey is the friendly face that will greet visitors upon arrival at Wingrove Park.
She takes her role as security very seriously.
Mini
Supervisor
Mini is an integral team member that is responsible for the day-to-day catching of the mice within the Wingrove Park surgery area and supervises all staff when feeding time is required.
450 Tickawarra Road Lancefield, Victoria Australia 3435
Joe | 0419 034 059