Bloodstock agents are experts in physical conformation and pedigree analysis. They work as consultants available for hire who specialise in everything from selecting weanlings, yearlings and mares to purchase on behalf of owners, to managing people’s breeding portfolios and race horses.

Bloodstock agents not only attend sales all over Australia but often get the opportunity to travel internationally too. Education and employment pathways for this position typically begin with training, work experience, or employment in hands-on roles to understand the fundamentals of horse husbandry and the thoroughbred industry.

The TBA Fast Track program is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in bloodstock.

Bloodstock managers oversee the care, training and sales preparation of thoroughbreds for studs, trainers or owners. They manage everything from yearling selection and sales to preparing horses for racing or breeding careers.

Strong organisation, knowledge of pedigrees, and horse care skills are essential. Many start as stable hands or sales assistants, learning the industry from the ground up before moving into management roles.

TBA offers courses and resources to build skills in bloodstock and breeding.

The nominations team are responsible for attracting breeders to their stallions. As a nominations salesperson, you’ll help clients select the best stallion for their mare based on pedigree and conformation, ensuring the resulting foals are commercially desirable and well-suited for the racetrack.

The role involves attending bloodstock sales and race meetings, managing client relationships, and assisting with marketing campaigns. You’ll also host stallion parades and private showings. A strong understanding of pedigrees, conformation, and the commercial bloodstock industry is essential.

Most individuals in nominations roles have advanced from hands-on positions where they gained foundational knowledge of the industry. Programs like TBA Fast Track provide industry training and networking opportunities, while TBA Learning offers a dedicated conformation module.

Freelance sales leaders travel the sales circuit, working with farms worldwide. This hands-on role involves preparing, handling, and presenting thoroughbreds for inspection by potential buyers. In Australia, yearling, weanling, and broodmare sales run for around six months of the year. Many freelance professionals then follow the circuit across Europe and America, gaining international experience.

Success in this role requires a strong work ethic, excellent horsemanship, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Most freelance sales leaders start in stud hand roles, building their skills before progressing. Programs like TBA Fast Track provide essential training and industry connections, while TBA Learning offers a dedicated module.

Auctioneers are the fast-paced professionals at the heart of thoroughbred sales. They call bids, manage sales floors, and work closely with buyers and sellers to ensure smooth transactions. This role requires excellent public speaking skills, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to think quickly under pressure.

Most auctioneers start in roles like bid spotting, bloodstock assisting, or consulting, gaining valuable experience before stepping into the auctioneering role.

The TBA Graduate Program offers an excellent pathway for gaining essential industry knowledge and connections.