The Les Young Scholarship provides young people in the Thoroughbred breeding industry with the opportunity to build their skills and knowledge through an international course at The National Stud in the United Kingdom. Designed to support the next generation of industry professionals, the scholarship offers a unique chance to gain international experience and broaden career pathways within the Australian Thoroughbred industry.
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
One scholarship is awarded each year. 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 the recipient’s experience, career goals, and preferred duration. All travel and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.
Eligibility
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 30 years
- Be an Australian citizen and/or permanent resident
- Have at least two years industry experience in breeding, bloodstock, spelling or racing
- Have been with their current employer for a minimum of 12 months
- Be able to demonstrate their intention to remain part of the industry as their career progresses
- Be able to travel to the UK and commence the course in September 2026 or January 2027.
How to apply
Applications are open from Thursday 26 March 2026 until Friday, 1 May 2026 (applications close at 5pm AEST sharp).
Click here to apply now
Click here to view the assessment criteria in more detail
In the application form, you will be asked to answer 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?
You will also be required to attach:
- Your resume
- Two letters of recommendation (one from your current employer, and one from another Thoroughbred industry member.
Application Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scholarship include?
The successful applicant will receive:
- A tailored international learning experience at The National Stud in the United Kingdom.
- Travel costs and accommodation covered.
- A combination of theory and practical coursework.
- Training focused on foaling and breeding, bloodstock husbandry, and stable and equine management.
- A program that can be adapted to the recipient’s experience, career goals and preferred duration.
How many scholarships are available?
One scholarship will be awarded per year.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Les Young Scholarship, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18–30, with at least two years’ experience in Thoroughbred breeding, bloodstock, spelling or racing. You must also have been with your current employer for at least 12 months, intend to remain in the Thoroughbred breeding industry, and be available to travel to the UK in September 2026 or January 2027.
What do I need to submit in my application?
You will be required to submit written responses outlining:
- your experience within the Thoroughbred industry.
- your long-term career goals and where you see yourself in five years.
- what you believe are the top five challenges and/or opportunities facing the industry.
- whether you are willing to remain in the Thoroughbred industry for at least 12 months after returning.
You will also be required to provide your resume, and two letters of support:
- one from your current employer, and
- one from another Thoroughbred industry member.
When would I need to travel?
The successful applicant must be able to commence the course in the UK in September 2026 or January 2027.
What is the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses program?
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in high-impact research, development and extension (RD&E) for the Australian Thoroughbred industry. The Program’s focus is improving the industry’s sustainability, productivity and competitiveness.
AgriFutures supports RD&E work across areas including Thoroughbred breeding, horse welfare, workforce safety, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and diseases and parasites.
Find out more about the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program