He was by the successful English sire Court Martial, his dam Sans Tares (GB) was by Sind from Tara (FR) by Teddy.

Wilkes was a half-brother to two Washington, D.C. International Stakes winners in Mahan and Worden II who was also a good sire.

[1] John William Kelly purchased Wilkes for £5,000 sterling in 1956 and imported him to stand at his Newhaven Park Stud, Boorowa, New South Wales in Australia.

He also sired three winners of the Golden Slipper Stakes, Vain (1969), John's Hope (1972) and Vivarchi (1976).

A 21st season of 18 specially selected mares had been nominated at a fee of $6,000 with a live foal guarantee.