Rigg calls time on Geisel Park – Perth businessman to sell prominent WA stud 

Geisel Park Stud has announced it will sell Myalup Farm, one of Western Australia’s oldest pastoral properties, as principal Eddie Rigg shifts focus to his expanding business interests.

Established in 1846, the 100-hectare property near Bunbury has been one of the state’s longest continuously farmed holdings, but Rigg said increasing commitments through Argonaut and Salubris prompted the decision. 

Rigg, a former vice-chair of the Western Australian Turf Club, purchased Geisel Park Stud in 2007.

“Argonaut has expanded into Sydney, and we have set ourselves ambitious targets for our funds management business,” Rigg said. 

“Salubris is on track to become WA’s leading independent generator of Australian Carbon Credit Units and biodiversity offsets. As chairman and co-founder of both businesses, the time has come to focus my energy.”

As part of the transition, stallions Manhattan Rain, Aysar and Winning Rupert will be relocated ahead of the upcoming breeding season, with new standing arrangements and service fees to be confirmed.

The sale of the property will coincide with a dispersal of Geisel Park’s Western Australian-based breeding stock, excluding Rigg’s interests in Manhattan Rain and Aysar, although he confirmed he will continue racing and breeding on both the east coast and in Western Australia.

Rigg paid tribute to long-time stud manager Conor Dunlop, who will oversee the process. 

“Conor’s dedication and knowledge have been integral to everything we have built at Myalup,” Rigg said. 

“He will play a central role in managing both the property sale and the sale of our breeding stock, and I’m grateful for his continued commitment through this transition.”

Geisel Park Stud graduates include stakes winners Aqua Velva, Blondine, Steely Gaze, Lip Service and Hallelujah while Manhattan Rain’s Group 1-winning son Jigsaw is equal favourite for the $5 million The Quokka.

Shaun Yeo (Jones Ballard) and Simon Bushell (LJ Hooker South West) have been appointed joint sales agents, with the formal sale process expected to begin next week.