Yawen Wu: Engineering Excellence on the Track

February 17, 2026

Yawen Wu’s affinity for horses didn’t sprout out of nowhere.

Her fondness for equines – specifically Thoroughbreds – didn’t begin with her and husband James Mann’s first venture into breeding and racehorse ownership in 2007, nor is it tied to the numbers in a race-day program.

It was always there.

“These horses give my life structure, purpose and perspective,” said Wu, who houses her horses at Spirit Run Farm, her family’s home on Lake Scugog.

“They bring discipline and responsibilities into my life. Being involved with them, from breeding decisions to development and care, has reinforced the importance of patience, trust and doing things the right way.

“They remind me that success is about stewardship and never, ever giving up.”

An engineer by trade, Wu – who, along with Mann, owns and operates North York-based renewable energy firm Mann Engineering – is well versed in both discipline and responsibility.

That mindset informs every facet of her approach to racing.

“Being a breeder and an owner is a lifestyle,” shared Wu. “Everything from stallion selection, planning the cross, waiting for 11 gestational months and finally meeting the foal is so very much personal.

“Then watching the foal grow into a weanling, yearling and finally in training is a journey of joy and responsibilities. Words can't describe the moment of pride when you are standing beside your homebred in the winner's circle."

But that isn’t the only fulfillment Wu finds in the sport.

“Also, by networking with vets, trainers and bloodstock agents, you are constantly learning and forming such a wonderful community that is built on trust and knowledge. Being a breeder and an owner is also a living legacy. Each horse becomes part of a larger story, one that reflects personal values, discipline and respect.”

Leading the charge was Sedburys Ghost, who delivered three wins, including Wu’s first stakes title with a 1 ¼-length victory in the Plate Trial Stakes at odds of 7-1, and a spot in The King’s Plate starting gate – he finished off the board.

The homebred Shaman Ghost gelding added two third-place finishes, the latter coming in the Lake Ontario Stakes on November 21 – his final start of the year – bringing his 2025 earnings to more than $106,000.

Wu remains in awe of what the Barb Minshall-trained chestnut was able to accomplish.

“It was inspiring and validating as both a breeder and an owner,” she praised. “Seeing a horse that I brought into the world perform at the highest level reinforced everything I love about being a breeder and an owner – careful planning, the patience, and the attention to detail that goes into breeding and developing a champion.

“It was witnessing the rewards of years of effort, learning, and belief in the horses’ potential. It gave me confidence in my program and the pride of seeing a homebred truly shine.”

Sedburys Ghost’s success, which Wu described as “incredibly motivating,” has inspired her to aim even higher with her next generation of homebreds. It also perfectly complements what makes her calling truly special: family.

“Sharing this part of my life with my family has been incredibly meaningful. There are moments like foaling nights, trailing mare and foal to the breeding farm, going to the track to watch races, the nerves before a race and the quiet drive home after a loss that creates a bond that goes beyond the sport itself.”

Wu’s profound connection to her four children is embodied through her horses, particularly Hurricane Mimi, Hurricane Amelia, Wesley's Garage, and Maylee's Revenge, each named for one of her kids.

Together, they have embraced a life in racing with open arms and open minds.

“This sport also teaches us patience, resilience and perspective,” shared Wu. “Not every plan works out, success isn't always guaranteed, and setbacks are part of journeys. At the same time, there are missed family dinners, delayed family trips – that all becomes the norm.

“We learned how to support each other through uncertainty as much as celebration. Over time, the horses have become part of our family's story, memories, and values that we all share and cherish.”

A symbol of that shared love is Wu’s elegant cream-coloured silks.

Designed with input from her daughter Jamie, the silks – featuring pink sleeve bands and a black ‘YW’ in cursive across the chest – evoke “an unforgettable feeling” each time they appear on the track.

“It is a proud reminder of the entire journey and team behind it, including my family, my barn staff, my trainer and other people being part of this journey.”

With a strong foundation in place, Wu is eager to engineer even greater moments in 2026.

To get there, she’ll proceed as she always has: with passion, precision and unwavering devotion to her family and her horses.

“Each season brings new challenges. I can't wait to see my horses on the track, especially the homebreds that are stepping into training or preparing to race for the first time. We will have six horses back to the track and they all are trained by Barb Minshall.”

Wu and her family are ready for the ride.

Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine