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: 16 January 2024

Applicants are required to have generic equine handling experience.

Find out more about the UK National Stud course

Irish National Stud course
The course rotates students around the various aspects of the stud gaining practical knowledge. This practical knowledge is complimented by a series of evening lectures which covers topics such as Equine Anatomy & Physiology, Equine Breeding, Stable Management, Equine Welfare, Pedigree Analysis, Equine Business and Personal & Professional Development. The course is accredited by QQI and the South Eastern Technology University. The course accepts approximately 27 students each year and works closely with the Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia who sponsor students each year.

Course start: January 2024

The course includes shared-room accommodation, meals, uniform, lecture materials, industry site visits and visa. Each student receives a weekly training allowance of €100.

Find out more about the Irish National Stud course

How to apply

Provide your answers to the following questions:

1. What is your experience within the thoroughbred industry?
2. What are your long-term goals, and where do you see yourself in five years?
3. In your opinion, what are the industry’s top five challenges and/or opportunities?
4. 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.

View the Scholarship assessment matrix here
Apply now

Contact

Mia Lorber-Hughes
Coordinator, Research – Thoroughbred Horses Program
mia.lorber-hughes@agrifutures.com.au

02 6923 6908