The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program is proud to support a scholarship honouring the late Les Young, a prominent figure within the thoroughbred industry.
The Les Young Scholarship provides young people within the thoroughbred industry the opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge via an international course and paid placement at a reputable United Kingdom.
Applications for the 2024 scholarship are closed.
Subscribe to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program newsletter to be notified when the 2025 round opens.
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 breeding and welfare, workforce safety and community engagement, and the prevention of 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
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 or Irish National Stud 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 in breeding, bloodstock, spelling or racing, as well as a passion to remain part of the industry as their career progresses.
UK National Stud course
Level 2 E2SE course: This course runs residentially for 8 weeks followed by a paid placement at a reputable stud farm, including accommodation, for 6 months. Students learn how to prepare mares, foals and yearlings for the sales, develop knowledge about foaling and bloodstock husbandry, get to spend time with The National Stud’s stallion roster and attend the sales. Current E2SE Level 2 students are on placements at studs such as Juddmonte, Whitsbury Manor and Darley.
Course start: January 2025
Applicants are required to have generic equine handling experience.
How to apply
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 prominent member of the industry
- Your resume.
Applications close Wednesday, 1 May 2024 at 5pm AEST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for this scholarship?
If you:
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Are 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 industry
- Can provide references including a letter of support from your current employee, and a letter from another prominent industry member
Then you are eligible and we encourage you to apply!
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.