by Bernard Kenny
Wednesday 31 July sees the closing date for the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s NZTBA International Management Scholarship and the Irish National Stud Scholarship courses under the direction of Justine Sclater, the NZTBA Business Development and Operations Manager.
“It is so pleasing to see so many young people with a passion for the thoroughbred industry wanting to improve their skills and apply for the scholarships,” said Justine Sclater. “We had a number of very strong applicants last year, and anyone of them could have represented us in Ireland.”
The NZTBA International Management Scholarship will see the applicant receiving an all-expenses paid bonded trip of 30 weeks, experiencing the management of three Northern hemisphere stud farms.
The successful applicant will oversee the operational infrastructure, systems, business management and hands-on procedures of one English stud, Coolmore Stud in Ireland and Winstar in Kentucky.
The Scholarship aims to identify existing and potential managers within the NZ Thoroughbred Industry, offer them an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience, and highlight the diverse career options available within the international bloodstock business.
On submission the applicant will require a good general knowledge of the Thoroughbred Industry, and experience in the management and handling of horses of all ages. Suitable for those wishing to develop a long-term career within the NZ Thoroughbred industry.
The Irish National Stud Scholarship is for a passionate, motivated individual, aged 30 or under, who would like to travel internationally to further their career in the New Zealand Industry.
The successful applicant will gain a Scholarship to the internationally renowned Irish National Stud, based in Kildare Ireland to attend a five-month Diploma Breeding Course commencing in January 2020.
Since 2006 the K.I.A. Taylor Charitable Trust, associated with the Taylor family, owners of Trelawney Stud Cambridge, have generously funded a Scholarship for a person to attend the Irish National Stud Diploma Course.
Since 2015 the scholarship has been known as the Keith and Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship and provides the successful candidate with five months at the Irish National Stud, beginning on 14th January 2020.
The 2019 Keith and Faith Equine Scholarship winner Ryan Stacey has just completed his time at the Irish National Stud with the 218th new-born foal completing the breeding season.
“A big thanks to our foaling managers Lauren Eisemann and Nicola Joyce for their knowledge, support and keeping us grinding when we get to 4am on a night shift,” said Ryan. “Also, for Anne in organising great student visits to stud farms around Ireland.”
“I was lucky enough to travel with a mare for an outside mating to the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud, to be covered by Sea The Stars the sire of such stallions as Stradavarius and Harzand.”
“The striking son of Cape Cross out of Urban Sea, the dam of four G1 winners, won six consecutive Gr.1 races in six months as a 3yo. It’s not hard to see why by the way he presents himself, a real equine athlete. In 2019, he commanded a $NZ230,000 service fee.”
“In visiting Ballylinch Stud we sat down for a cup of tea and a chat with the managing director John O’Connor, a man who is well respected in the bloodstock industry world-wide.”
“We discussed genetic testing and if it’s improving the industry, Australian racing and how well their industry is going in regard to prize money,” continued Ryan, “All within a very intriguing conversation where we absorbed a lot of beneficial knowledge.”
“Mr O’Connor expressed how we should join an organisation within the thoroughbred industry, as we are the future who need to voice our opinions for fresh changes and improvement.”