Basil Nolan races into the future with support of Les Young Scholarship

The scholarship provides an opportunity for young people in Australia’s thoroughbred industry to further develop their skills and knowledge through study and placement at a reputable stud in the United Kingdom over six months.

Growing up on the family farm, Raheen Stud, Basil’s love for thoroughbreds and racing runs deep in his bloodline.

“I spent a lot of time as a young boy on my weekends and school holidays, going around the farm with my father, checking mares, riding and just enjoying life as a farm kid,” he said.

“As I got older, I started taking an interest in the farm, getting more involved with the horses and going to race days with my family. I’ve been going to horse sales from as young as I can remember – I think I’ve been to every Magic Millions sale since I was about three months old.”

With the encouragement of his family, Basil decided to apply for the Les Young Scholarship as it would tie in well with the completion of his Bachelor of Business degree (majoring in finance and economics) at Queensland University of Technology, as well as the Australian thoroughbred off-season.

“There are a lot of great studs in the United Kingdom and a lot of great people. I thought the scholarship would be a fantastic opportunity to further my knowledge of the game,” he said.

The scholarship honours the late Les Young, a respected bloodstock agent, owner-breeder, journalist and leader in the thoroughbred and racing industry. Fittingly, it continues Les’ legacy as a supporter and mentor to young people who were keen to work in the industry.

“I never met Les but I heard a lot of great stories about him,” Basil said. “He was a great man, kind and respectful, and had time for anyone he met.

“Les cared for the younger generation and wanted to provide them with opportunities to secure a future in an industry that he loved. I’m very grateful to Les and his family, and AgriFutures for giving me this opportunity to build that future.”

Learning from UK’s best

Basil will kick off his scholarship at the UK National Stud in Newmarket – the home of the British thoroughbred industry – at the start of 2025.

AgriFutures Senior Manager for Levied Industries Amanda Olthof said the scholarship will allow Basil to further develop his understanding around foaling and breeding, bloodstock, husbandry and stable and equine management.

“The thoroughbred industry in Australia is the second largest in the world and it has an exciting future. The potential careers in the industry can take you all over the world, and this scholarship opportunity is one pathway,” Amanda said.

“The industry is known for its strong sense of community – both domestically and internationally. This scholarship gives young people with a passion for thoroughbreds the opportunity to gain diverse international experience, build a global network of colleagues and develop future collaborative partnerships.”

Basil will study the UK National Stud’s Level 3 Bloodstock Management Course, which will equip him with the knowledge and skills to build a career in the bloodstock industry. At the same time, he will gain hands-on experience during his stud placement.

“I’m looking forward to learning,” Basil said. “Everyone in the industry does something differently, but it’s a great opportunity to go to another country and learn their systems in another climate – how they prepare horses, manage their stallions and conduct the vet work – and bring that knowledge home.

“I’m also really excited to meet new people with decades of experience and hopefully develop some lifelong friendships. It’s a really cool opportunity to go to the other side of the world and do what you love and learn at the same time.”

A small part of an exciting industry

Basil is keen to develop a long and fruitful career in the Australian thoroughbred industry, helping to overcome some of its current challenges as well as securing its many opportunities.

After returning home, Basil plans to use both his university degree and knowledge gained at the UK National Stud to carry on at Raheen Stud, where he works closely with his grandfather as a fourth-generation family member.

“I’m involved in all aspects of the business and helping my grandfather to make sure we’re doing things in the most efficient and effective way. I’m keen on financial markets and the stock exchange, and being able to manage money and invest in other areas to make sure the business is handled well in the future,” he said.

“I’m extremely lucky and privileged to have this opportunity and have a family that has been doing this for generations. The highlight for me every time is seeing a horse that you’ve foaled down, bred, prepared and sold, win a race. Whether it’s a stakes race or a Group 1, it gives me immense joy seeing our horses come out and win for people, especially good clients.

“This industry means the world to me and I’m very excited to just be a small part of that.”

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in research to improve the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the industry. The Les Young Scholarship is in its second year.

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