The Les Young Scholarship provides young people within the thoroughbred breeding industry the opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge via an international course at The National Stud, United Kingdom.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship are now open.
About Les Young
In 2019, the thoroughbred and racing industry lost one of their most devoted figures. Les Young was a renowned industry all-rounder – respected bloodstock agent, journalist, 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.
He was an industry leader on the NSW Breeders’ Association committee, a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, as well as a past president and life member of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents of Australia. Les was also a passionate and successful owner-breeder, running his own sales company, and was a regular contributor to several industry publications.
In 1995, Les was a foundation member of the Equine Advisory Committee (under the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation) allocating funding for equine research projects. To this day, the AgriFutures Thoroughbred 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 welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability
- Thoroughbred breeding
- Workforce, industry and community engagement
- Thoroughbred diseases and parasites
Les was renowned and generous with his time mentoring young people who were keen to work within the thoroughbred breeding and racing industries, and we are proud to establish this scholarship in his honour.
About the scholarship
The scholarship will provide funding and support to the successful applicant via a combination of theory and practical coursework at The National Stud in the United Kingdom where they will develop further understanding around foaling and breeding, bloodstock husbandry and stable and equine management. The programme can be tailored to suit the recipient depending on their experience and career goals. All travel and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.
How to apply
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should be aged between 18 and 25 years, have at least two years industry experience in breeding, bloodstock, spelling or racing, as well as an intention to remain part of the industry as their career progresses.
Provide your answers to the following questions:
- What is your experience within the thoroughbred industry?
- What are your long-term goals, and where do you see yourself in five years?
- In your opinion, what are the industry’s top five challenges and/or opportunities?
- Are you willing to remain within the thoroughbred industry for a minimum of 12 months once you return? (Y/N)
Please attach to your application:
- Two letters of support, including one from your current employer, and one from another thoroughbred industry member
- Your resume
Applications for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship close Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 5pm AEST.
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for this scholarship?
If you meet the following criteria then you are eligible and we encourage you to apply:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Between 18 and 25 years old
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience in the industry
- Have been with your current employer for a minimum of 12 months
- Are keen to remain part of the thoroughbred breeding industry
- Can provide references including a letter of support from your current employee, and a letter from another thoroughbred industry member
- Able to travel to the UK in January 2026
How many scholarships are available?
One scholarship will be awarded per year.
What is the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses program?
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program aims to invest in high impact research, development and extension (RD&E) that improves the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
The Program invests in projects that improve thoroughbred horse welfare, thoroughbred breeding, the prevention of diseases and parasites, workforce safety and environmental sustainability, and aims to identify and support initiatives that will encourage employment opportunities and provide progression pathways for future workers in the industry.
The Program is committed to working closely with all those within the thoroughbred breeding industry including the Program’s Advisory Panel and industry associations.