Cover image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
The family is shifting focus, moving away from operating a large-scale farm to concentrate more directly on redistributing equity into building their racing and breeding portfolio with the help of Newgate Farm.
Mitch Cunningham and his family have confirmed the decision to sell their Hunter Valley property, Ridgmont Farm. While it marks the end of their chapter as stud farm owners, their commitment to racing and breeding remains as strong as ever.
Cunningham originally acquired the property – then known as Glastonbury Farm – in 2020 alongside Andrew Dunemann and Neil Douglas, purchasing it from Duncan, Di Grimley, and Yvonne and Mark Clerke. Following the sale, the farm was rebranded as Ridgmont.
Mitch Cunningham | Image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
In 2023, Cunningham bought out his business partners and assumed sole ownership. Since then, he, his wife Stephanie, and their four children – Ma, Sol, Yael and Leni – have been based full-time on the property in the Hunter Valley.
Alongside the stud operations, Cunningham has also been instrumental in the growth of Cunningham Thoroughbreds, the racing arm of the business, which has been active since 2019.
Timing of the Decision
Cunningham acknowledged the challenges and questions that could arise around making this announcement mid-season, but he explained that upcoming Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales preparations have been a significant factor.
“There was never the right timing for this decision, but first and foremost on our mind was that preparations for Magic Millions are starting very shortly, so one factor of the decision is around that.” Cunningham said.
“There was never the right timing for this decision.” - Mitch Cunningham
“We had no intention of moving horses mid-preparation. This way, we can travel the horses to Newgate, and they can start their Millions preparation there. There wasn't much time left, so we had to make the call and let our staff know.
“We have a lovely line up of yearlings that Newgate will take towards Magic Millions, and we look forward to that.”
“We have a lovely line up of yearlings that Newgate will take towards Magic Millions, and we look forward to that.” - Mitch Cunningham
Racetrack and sales highlights
Since its inception, Ridgmont Farm has celebrated several standout moments on the track and in the sale ring.
Among its most notable racetrack successes is dual Group 1 winner Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard), trained by Bjorn Baker. Another highlight was Storm Boy, who made an early impression as a juvenile wearing the Ridgmont silks – navy with a gold sash and sleeves – before being sold in a lucrative stallion deal to Coolmore Stud.
The team’s latest potential emerging star is Masvingo (Zoustar), a $580,000 yearling purchase made by the Ridgmont Fillies Partnership and Jim Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA) at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She charged home to finish third in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes at Randwick last weekend, behind Shiki (Too Darn Hot {GB}).
Masvingo | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Earlier this year, Ridgmont achieved a major sales milestone by selling its first million-dollar yearling. A Wootton Bassett (GB) colt out of Egyptian Missile (Smart Missile) sold for $1.2 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, purchased by Tom Magnier. He has been named Vatican.
Their influence has extended across the Tasman as well, with To Cap It All (Capitalist) – bred and sold by Ridgmont – last season taking out the Listed Wellesley Stakes in New Zealand before placing at Group 1 level as a 2-year-old.
“It’s a regrettable decision, but a decision that has been made to redistribute equity into building our racing and breeding portfolio.
“It’s a regrettable decision, but a decision that has been made to redistribute equity into building our racing and breeding portfolio.” - Mitch Cunningham
“It is a re-calibration of the allocation of funds for us, and a desire to continue to develop our broodmare band.” Cunningham expanded.
“We have had lots of success in the last couple of years, and our racing team builds in as a feeder to our eventual broodmare band, so we have plenty to look forward to,”
A new chapter with Newgate
With the sale of Ridgmont Farm now pending, the Cunninghams have made arrangements to relocate their horses. All broodmares, foals and yearlings will move to Newgate Farm, which will also act as consignor for Ridgmont-owned yearlings in the 2025 sales season.
“We have done a lot of business together in the past, so it is a natural fit. Henry Field and the team have been a huge source of counsel for us, and we have a lot of stallion equity with them.
Newgate Farm | Image courtesy of Newgate Farm
“I’m really looking forward to working with Henry, Bruce (Slade) and Jim (Carey), and I’m sure we will have lots of success.
“Last year, we worked closely with Newgate and Greg Ingham (GPI) with Stefi Magnetica using their slot in The Everest. We are good mates, have a lot of history there, and the relationship is a natural fit.”
The family remains committed to expanding their influence in the breeding industry.
Henry Field | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“Ridgmont will continue building towards having one of the leading broodmare bands in Australia, and we’ll keep an international focus as part of that,” Cunningham went onto say.
“Our racing arm has been a real highlight, and we’re looking to build on that momentum, including expanding the Ridgmont Fillies Partnership over the next few years.”
A quality farm hits the market
The sale of Ridgmont Farm is being handled by Donovan & Co, with agent Clint Donovan highlighting the farm’s exceptional setup and location.
“It’s an amalgamation of two wonderful properties, the original horse farm and another that was used for crops and lucerne,” Donovan said.
“It is located in the prestigious Segenhoe Valley, within the 'Golden Triangle' of some of Australia's most revered farms. Every single box is ticked with this property."
Clint Donovan | Image courtesy of Donovan & Co.
Unlike many properties in the region, Ridgmont was developed from scratch in recent years.
“A point of difference to many farms around the area is that it is brand new. It has truly been a labour of love. They have sourced experts around the world to help design an efficient world-class breeding operation.
“They have built this farm as a lifetime passion project.”
“They have built this farm as a lifetime passion project.” - Clint Donovan
Donovan described the property as a rare, turn-key opportunity.
“It really is a great opportunity for someone, it is an agile asset, every square metre is usable, has great water, and is a medium-scale commercial farm.
“The chance to secure a rarely available, completely turn-key farm, that is a one-stop job is unique. You could move your horses in next week.
“They have planted over 1000 trees, have security, a brand new office, and the homestead is gorgeous. We welcome all enquiries with the assurance of complete confidentiality."
Staff support remains a priority
Ridgmont’s resident vet Dr Chris Phillips has also served as general manager at Ridgmont, while Mitch’s brother Xavier Cunningham has managed the stud. Together with a team of around 15 full-time staff, they’ve been instrumental in building Ridgmont into a respected operation.
Cunningham made it clear that supporting the team through this transition is a top priority.
Dr Chris Phillips | Image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
“Ridgmont’s staff are some of the most capable and passionate people in the industry, and without exception they’ve helped make the farm what it is today. We have around 15 full-time team members led by Dr Chris Phillips.
“We have curated a world-class set of staff, and while it is very sad to see them go, we are helping to give them every opportunity to get jobs that are right for them. Our staff are of the highest calibre and they will all have outstanding careers wherever they go.”
“We’re incredibly proud of what Ridgmont has become. It’s a farm built with purpose and care. Selling it is simply the next step in how we continue to grow and contribute to the industry we love.” - Mitch Cunningham
“We’re incredibly proud of what Ridgmont has become. It’s a farm built with purpose and care. Selling it is simply the next step in how we continue to grow and contribute to the industry we love.”
