Charlie Ferguson

Applications for Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s (TBA) latest Fast Track program are now open. 

The course offers a pathway into the breeding sector and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification, while being paid full time. 

Developed in response to industry staffing shortages, the 12-month course targets people from outside breeding and racing and introduces them to Australia’s vibrant thoroughbred sector. It gives them the foundational skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers. 

Now in its eighth year, the program has proved to be a successful pathway, with 90 per cent of trainees continuing to work in the industry after completing the course. 

TBA’s education and projects manager, Madison Tims, said: “This course is great because it doesn’t matter whether you’ve experience with horses or not, on this course you get a chance to learn those skills from some of the best in the thoroughbred industry. We’ve had people from all types of backgrounds on the program before who’ve gone on to great things with their career. 

“Fast Track is also unique in that the trainees are working on a farm, so receiving a wage, while also studying for a Certificate III.” 

Among the diverse occupations of students from previous intakes are electricians, a beauty therapist, an army veteran, a cafe barista, and a cricket coach, all looking for a career change.  

Graduates have gone on to take up management roles on thoroughbred breeding farms, travel to Ireland to take part in the prestigious Irish National Stud course and participate in the Northern Hemisphere breeding and sales seasons. We’ve also had a student graduate from the Godolphin Flying Start course.

Successful applicants commence a full-time paid traineeship with a stud farm while studying for a Certificate III in Horse Breeding – a nationally recognised formal qualification. 

To complement the on-the-job learning, students attend two intensive learning blocks in Scone (six weeks in total), where they receive a mix of practical training and classroom theory and participate in various field trips and personal development workshops. 

Employers around the country have embraced the program. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Australian thoroughbred breeders, who have ensured the success of the Fast Track program over the last seven intakes.  

Any farm that is interested in taking on a trainee can get in touch directly with TBA.  

Applications close March 10th, and you can head to tbaus.com or email madison@tbaus.com for more information.  

You can begin your application here.

The Nolan Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of the TBA Fast Track program in memory of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, a highly respected and much-loved member of the Australian breeding community.
 
The successful graduate will travel to Ireland for six months to take part in the Irish National Stud Breeding Course.

Pictured is 2023 Nolan scholarship recipient, Jamie Griffin, receiving his certificate after successfully completing the course earlier this year.

“The Irish National Stud has been an amazing experience for me, and it’s provided me with a great step in my career. I have learned a lot and have taken everything out of it that I possibly could. I recommend that anyone considering applying do so as it will also provide them with the next step in their equine breeding career; they will meet some great people and learn from some of the best breeders or trainers in the country,” explains Jamie.

The Irish National Stud Breeding Course

The Irish National Stud Course was established in 1971 and is regarded as the best-known equine training program within the thoroughbred industry. Many graduates have gone on to hold prominent positions on farms and within organisations around the world.
 
Unlike university-based programs, the training is mainly of a practical nature and is designed to provide students with a hands-on approach to every aspect of horse breeding. The course is full-time residential and starts mid-January each year and runs for the Northern Hemisphere breeding season.

Learn more about the Irish National Stud here.

The Nolan scholarship will be awarded to the student who best displays the qualities that Basil Jnr himself was so widely admired for.

Nolan Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must have successfully completed the TBA Fast Track program. This includes graduating with a Certificate III in Horse Breeding from TAFE and having their formal traineeship signed off by their employer. Students who were not eligible for formal traineeships (i.e. those based outside NSW) must have completed a minimum 12-month employment with their farm.

Prior knowledge and/or industry experience will not be taken into account during the selection process. The scholarship will be awarded based on what the individual has achieved since commencing the Fast Track program and the contribution they have made to their workplace and/or the industry during this time.

Although academic ability isn’t the sole focus, applicants will need to have displayed a level of dedication and a positive attitude towards their studies and have been a courteous member of the classroom during their time on the program.

In the workplace they must have consistently demonstrated an excellent work ethic and have been a team player; someone who is kind and supportive and always willing to help others.

They must demonstrate a genuine passion for the thoroughbred industry.

The successful applicant will be the person who best fulfills the above criteria and who the interview panel believe will be a great ambassador for the Australian breeding industry and honour Basil Jnr’s legacy.
 
The following attributes were central to Basil and what he most looked for in staff members of his own:

• Honesty
• Enthusiasm
• Motivation
• A strong work ethic
• A passion for learning more on the job

The Application Process

To apply for the Nolan Scholarship, you must complete an online application form.

You are also required to send a letter of support from your employer and/or an industry referee (someone who currently works in the thoroughbred industry).

The letter should outline why they think you are a deserving recipient of the scholarship with particular focus on your attitude towards learning, contribution to the workplace, your relationships with your peers and colleagues, and your passion for horses.

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to sit an interview via Zoom, with a panel of TBA representatives and members of the Nolan family. 

Successful Fast Track graduates are eligible to apply for the scholarship at any time. You are not restricted to applying in the year that you graduate and if unsuccessful, you can always reapply the following year. There is no limit on how many years you can apply. 

Click here to begin your application.

Applications for this year’s scholarship close on Sunday 28th September at 11.59pm. Those shortlisted will be contacted shortly after to arrange a suitable interview time. 

The successful applicant will need to arrive in Ireland in early January 2024 and remain there until the end of June, when the course finishes.

The full cost of flights and tuition will be covered by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia. It will be the individual’s responsibility to cover the cost of the travel insurance for visa requirements. 

This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to develop their career in the thoroughbred sector. The Irish National Stud Course is world renowned and many of Australia’s industry leaders are successful graduates of the program. 

For more information, contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com.

Photo: Attendees of the 2023 Nagambie Management Skills Workshop. 

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is calling for industry participants to register for its upcoming nationwide management workshops, which offer stud farm workers the opportunity to advance their leadership and communication skills.  

The training consists of a two-day delivery by Juliet Robinson from Big Goals, who has coached more than 150 industry participants since the program was inaugurated in 2022.  

“We’ve had great success from the past management skills workshops. These sessions are key to developing our industry’s workforce, ensuring farm managers and senior management have the skills to deal with challenging situations on farm,” said Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager. 

More than 90% of past participants said they would recommend the workshop to other managers.  

The opening day will focus on how to motivate and manage a team, respond appropriately under pressure, and navigate difficult conversations in the workplace. Everyone who attends will be required to complete a profile in advance of the workshop, which provides an insight into their management style and work preferences. 

The second day will feature focused learning on skill development around assertiveness, influencing, building trust and other key elements of communication and leadership. This workshop is only available to people who have attended the opening session either this year or in previous years.  

The 2024 workshops will take place on the following dates and locations: 

• July 11-12 in Launceston, Tasmania 
• July 15-16 in Toowoomba, Queensland 
• July 24-25 in Scone, New South Wales
• July 30-31 in Nagambie, Victoria

The workshops run from 9am to 5pm with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided. 

Registration is essential and participants are required to complete some brief course work before attending. 

Click here to register for the workshops 

Photo: 2023 Scone Management Skills Workshop. 

The cost of the training is fully funded by TBA, and the content is primarily designed for team members in middle-management and supervisory roles. 

TBA will also be hosting a senior management workshop in New South Wales and Nagambie, which will be by invitation only.  

For more information and to register for any of the above dates, please contact TBA’s Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com.

The sixth intake of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s (TBA) national traineeship program, Fast Track, has graduated with a gala ceremony in Scone.

Fourteen students received their Certificate III in Horse Breeding after completing the 12-month program, with the trainees carrying out placements on farms across New South Wales, Victoria and for the first time, Tasmania. More than 80 people attended the graduation event at Scone Race Club on Tuesday night.

All the students in this year’s class are set to remain in the thoroughbred industry after graduation.

“We are very proud of the trainees who have all worked really hard to complete their studies and successfully carry out their work commitments on farm,” said Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager.

“This program has created a pathway for anyone, no matter their horse experience or whether they’ve been exposed to the thoroughbred industry, to learn about breeding and get a job on a respected farm.”

Over 90% of graduates from the program remain in the thoroughbred industry for at least 12 months.

Also attending the ceremony were the 20 trainees who make up the 2024 Fast Track intake, the largest class in the program’s history.

TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said: “The graduation was a great night with so many people from the industry coming to celebrate with our trainees and their families. Fast Track has proved to be an incredibly valuable pathway for young people to get a start in our industry.”

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has today opened applications for its successful Stud Start program, which provides a gateway for people with little or no previous experience to enter the breeding industry.

Fully funded by TBA, Stud Start was launched last year to compliment TBA’s flagship training program, Fast Track, and is designed for people – particularly in rural areas – who are looking for a career change or to re-enter the workforce, who are keen to pursue a career in the thoroughbred breeding sector.

Successful applicants will be inducted into a six-week taster program that combines online learning with an intensive week-long learning block in Scone (NSW).

During the week in Scone, students will receive class-based education and hands-on experience with horses, which puts into practice the online lessons they have completed over the previous five weeks. Other activities include farm visits, hearing from guest speakers and networking opportunities.

On conclusion of the six-week course, participants will have completed three units of competency which can be used in their Certificate III in Horse Breeding, should they choose to pursue this qualification.

The aim is to provide participants with the basic skills, knowledge and contacts necessary to take their first steps towards joining Australia’s thriving breeding industry.

“Stud Start will provide successful participants the confidence and skills to enter a career within thoroughbred industry. This year we are excited to offer not only face-to-face learning but a hybrid structure of online study and hands-on practice throughout the six weeks, which is a development from the launch of the program in 2023,” says Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager.

“The course structure provides the foundational horse skills needed to begin a career on farm as well as putting trainees on a path to securing a formal qualification.”

TBA is encouraging any interested parties to apply for the program by Friday, 17th May. Successful applicants will commence their online learning from Monday, 17th June, with the course ending on Monday, 22nd July.

Following the online learning component, students will participate in an intensive course at TAFE in Scone from Wednesday, 24th July to Wednesday, 31st July.

Students will be provided with accommodation during the week in Scone. Depending on the participant’s travel requirements, financial assistance may also be provided.

“Thoroughbred Breeders Australia are always looking for new initiatives to bring people into the breeding sector. This is a national program designed to provide an opportunity for those seeking a career change or looking to re-enter the workforce to get a job with horses,” says TBA chief executive, Tom Reilly.

In addition to Stud Start, TBA also runs Fast Track, a 12-month traineeship program that places students in full time employment on stud farms around the country while they study for the Certificate III in Horse Breeding – a nationally recognised formal qualification. Now in its seventh year, the 2024 Fast Track intake is set to commence in late May.

For enquiries about the Stud Start program or Fast Track, please contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com or by phone on 0405 535 436.

Start your Stud Start application here.

In 2019, the thoroughbred and racing industry lost one of their longest and most devoted figures. Les Young was a renowned industry all-rounder. A respected bloodstock agent, Journalist and long-serving committee member of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW as well as a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association. Les spent a lifetime committed to the thoroughbred. Les was a highly infuential figure within the breeding and racing world providing a voice to both owners and breeders.

Among Les’ many talents as a successful owner-breeder, Les was passionate about helping the next generation providing young people with encouragement, mentoring, and support to further their careers. He was also heavily involved in the continued research and development into the thoroughbred breed. In 1995, Les was a foundation member of the Equine Advisory Committee to AgriFutures’ allocating funding for equine research projects. To this day, AgriFutures’ Thoroughbred Horses Program continues to invest in high-impact research and development that improves sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry. The program supports investment in projects across key priority areas including thoroughbred horse breeding and welfare, workforce safety and community engagement, and the prevention of thoroughbred diseases and parasites.

In honour of Les’ lifetime commitment to the thoroughbred and racing industry, AgriFutures Australia has announced the establishment of a new scholarship – the Les Young Scholarship. This scholarship will continue Les’ legacy as a supporter and mentor in the industry he dedicated so much to by providing young people the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge.

The scholarship will provide funding and support to the successful applicant via a combination of theory coursework and a paid placement with an international horse stud in the United Kingdom where they will develop further understanding around foaling and breeding. bloodstock husbandry and stable and equine management. All travel and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should be aged between 18 and 25 years, have at least two years industry experience as well as a passion to remain part of the industry as their career progresses.

For more about the scholarship and to apply, click here.

The Australian Stud And Stable Staff Awards have been a beacon of recognition, appreciation and motivation for industry professionals over the past decade. Racing Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders and Godolphin are pleased to announce the 14 finalists for the 2024 edition.

These 14 finalists embody the dedication and passion that define the backbone of our industry and the spirit of our great sport. Each finalist has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in their respective roles, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and care for the thoroughbred, staff and fellow colleagues.

“The calibre of nominees this year reflects the depth of talent and commitment within our industry. Selecting the two finalists in each category was incredibly challenging, yet it was great to see the passion that each individual brings to the table,” remarked Johan Petzer, Chair of the Stud And Stable Staff Awards judging panel.

The finalists for each category are as follows:

Leadership Award (Stud or Stable) sponsored by Victoria Racing Club

· Fionnan McCarthy – McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC

· Paul Reid – Godolphin, NSW

Horsemanship Award (Stud or Stable) sponsored by Inglis

· Arda Tascioglu – Freelancer, NSW

· Hazel Fertier – Freelancer, SA

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Magic Millions

· Diane Colebrook – Armidale Stud, TAS

· Ngyrie Gonzalez – Alwyn Park Stud, WA

Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by Australian Turf Club

· Fiona Fletcher – Greg Eurell Racing, VIC

· Trudie Clarke – TRNT, NT

Administration and Ancillary Award (Stud or Stable) sponsored by MRC Foundation

· Belinda Miller – Sledmere Stud, NSW

· Emma Cully – Star Thoroughbreds, NSW

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award sponsored by Queensland Off-The-Track

· Julie Bramucci – Self-employed, VIC

· Nicole Mutimer – NT Institute of Equestrian Sport, NT

Newcomer Award (Stud or Stable) sponsored by Marcus Oldham and Thoroughbred Industry Careers

· Isabelle Toole – Vinery Stud, NSW

· Jack Fonteyn – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, NSW

Congratulations to all the finalists of this year’s Stud And Stable Staff Awards, along with the individuals who put forward their nominations.

It’s important to highlight that the Stud And Stable Staff Awards are designed to amplify your voice and showcase exceptional talent within the thoroughbred industry.

“This annual event is one I eagerly await and marking a decade of these awards will make it a truly special celebration,” enthused Petzer

The ceremony to announce the winners of the 2024 Australian Stud And Stable Staff Awards will take place on Wednesday, 29 May at The Star Gold Coast hosted by Ally Mosley and James Tzaferis.

The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards proudly shortlisting committee have announced the shortlisted nominees for the 2024 edition. The committee expressed gratitude for the exceptional quality of nominations this year.

Please find below the nominees for the 2024 Awards:  

Leadership Award (Stud or Stable)

• Bailey Allen – Seymour Park, VIC
• Ben Gunn – Yulong Investments, VIC
• Fionnan McCarthy – McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC
• Jim Carey – Newgate Farm, NSW Paul Reid – Godolphin, NSW  

Horsemanship Award (Stud or Stable)

• Adam Daly – Newgate Farm, NSW
• Adam Maitland – Godolphin, NSW
• Arda Tascioglu – Freelancer, NSW
• Dennis Gilmanov – Segenhoe Stud, NSW
• Hazel Fertier – Freelancer, SA  

Dedication to Breeding Award

• Diane Colebrook – Armidale Stud, TAS
• Haley Forde – Aquis Farm, QLD
• Ngyrie Gonzalez – Alwyn Park Stud, WA
• Rhys Coghlan – Yulong Investments, VIC
• Sorcha Sweeny – Yulong Investments, VIC  

Dedication to Racing Award

• Fiona Fletcher – Greg Eurell Racing, VIC
• Ian Smith – Annabel Neasham, NSW
• Peter Jones – Self-employed, SA
• Timothy Hanley – McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC
• Trudie Clarke – TRNT, NT  

Administration and Ancillary Award (Stud or Stable)

• Belinda Miller – Sledmere Stud, NSW
• Emma Cully – Star Thoroughbreds, NSW
• Emma Parkinson – Vinery Stud, NSW
• Matt Harrington – Danny O’Brien Racing, VIC
• Matthew Comerford – Widden Stud, NSW
• Sophie Johnson – Michael Freedman Racing, NSW
• Wayne Massingham – Inglis, NSW

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award

• Emily Kendall – Sheany Park, NSW
• Julie Bramucci – Self-employed, VIC
• Kate Rogers – Self-employed, QLD
• Nicole Mutimer – NT Institute of Equestrian Sport, NT
• Rebecca Henry – Self-employed, QLD  

Newcomer Award (Stud or Stable)

• Erin Lowry – Godolphin, NSW
• Isabelle Toole – Vinery Stud, NSW
• Jack Fonteyn – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, NSW
• Matilda Jones – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, NSW
• Shane Wormington – Clear Mountain Fairview, QLD

We would like to extend a thank you once again to all who nominated and for your continued support of the Awards, which honours the commitment and passion of the individuals who form the backbone of our industry and great sport.

The two finalists for each category for the Awards will be announced on Friday, March 29, 2024 and the ceremony to celebrate these finalists will take place at The Star Gold Coast on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.  

The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards proudly announce the commencement of nominations, welcoming you to appreciate, celebrate and motivate individuals shaping the future of our industry. This is your chance to show your gratitude as we honour the commitment and passion displayed by the backbone of our industry and great sport.

These Awards offer a platform for everyone to amplify their appreciation for colleagues, friends or family members who work within the thoroughbred industry. While the nomination process remains simple, it stands as a powerful and significant means of acknowledging their work and contributions.

Sebastian Hutch sums up this sentiment, expressing, “I encourage anyone with an inclination to nominate to do so, it’s a tremendous way to recognise people who commit their heart and soul to our great industry.”

This year, a six-week submission window is available, closing 5.00pm AEDT on Monday, 19 February 2024. As you submit a nomination, consider how this small amount of your time and effort will not only instill pride in your nominee but also highlight the value of their contributions to the industry.

Every individual within the thoroughbred industry has a place in these Awards, with nominations accepted across seven categories:

• Leadership Award (Sponsored by Victoria Racing Club)
• Horsemanship Award (Sponsored by Inglis)
• Dedication to Breeding Award (Sponsored by Magic Millions)
• Dedication to Racing Award (Sponsored by Australian Turf Club)
• Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (Sponsored by Melbourne Racing Club Foundation)
• Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (Sponsored by Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT Program)
• Newcomer Award (Sponsored by Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham College)

Each category offers a cash prize of $10,000 for the winner and $3,000 for the runner-up, except for the Newcomer category, where the winner receives $5,000 and the runner-up $3,000.

The overall Excellence Award presented at the end of the evening, honours an individual who has made significant, exceptional contributions to the industry. In 2023, John “Crewie’ Brady received this honour for his remarkable 70-year tenure in the thoroughbred industry, among icons like Tommy Smith and Gai Waterhouse.

That narrative captures the primary goals of the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards. These Awards are proudly presented by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia, supported by Godolphin, and sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club, Australian Turf Club, Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT Program), Inglis, Magic Millions, Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, along with Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham.

Ready to nominate? Amplify your voice! Nominations close at 5.00pm AEDT on Monday, 19 February 2024.

Key dates:

• Nominations open: Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
• Nominations close: Monday, 19 February, 2024
• Shortlist announced: Wednesday, 13 March, 2024
• Finalists announced: Friday, 29 March, 2024
• Awards ceremony: Wednesday, 29 May – Gold Coast, QLD