Cover image courtesy of Inglis
By her own admission, Kayleigh Walsh - the recipient of the Dedication to Breeding gong at the ninth annual Stud and Stable Staff Awards - is the black sheep of her family, being the only member to have a passion for horses.
Walsh’s love for the thoroughbred was born when she was a girl growing up in Little Oakley in Essex in England. To be more specific, it was when her father took her horse riding for the first time.
“My dad committed the fatal mistake of taking me horse riding when I was a little girl and that’s been my hobby, my love, my whole life,” Walsh described to TDN AusNZ.
“My dad committed the fatal mistake of taking me horse riding when I was a little girl and that’s been my hobby, my love, my whole life.” - Kayleigh Walsh
“We were able to loan some horses. I was riding, as well as working in an equestrian centre, and I just loved it.
“On my summer holidays from school, I just went and rode peoples’ horses; I picked potatoes to try and pay for it.
“It all just blossomed from there, really. I never thought I would be in the thoroughbred industry, but here we are.”
Kayleigh Walsh | Image courtesy of Inglis
Walsh, who was born in Huntingdon in England, attributes much of her skill acquisition to the 26-week residential course that she completed at The National Stud in Newmarket, which she undertook during 2008. Here, Walsh, among other things, learned how to undertake all aspects of yearling, mare and foal sales preparation. She gained first-hand experience of the breeding season by foaling down mares, caring for The National Stud’s roster of stallions and assisting in the covering shed. There was also rotations through the Stud and Nominations office and veterinary rounds, as well as trips, visits, management training, career mentoring and relevant additional qualifications.
From there, Walsh took up a position at Rushbrooke Farms in Bury St Edmunds, which again proved invaluable.
“I really enjoyed my time at The National Stud and Rushbrooke and this is where I really developed my passion for the thoroughbred industry,” Walsh explained.
“I really enjoyed my time at The National Stud and Rushbrooke and this is where I really developed my passion for the thoroughbred industry.” - Kayleigh Walsh
“Again, I never thought I would be in the thoroughbred industry until I went to The National Stud… I’m so glad I did The National Stud course.
“I did so many great things and met some wonderful people.”
A new chapter
At 24, Walsh was keen for a new adventure, so she decided to pack up and head to Australia. She planned to be away for six months, she is still here 10 years later.
Walsh picked up work at Coolmore Stud in 2013.
Kayleigh Walsh when working at Coolmore
“They offered me residency in my first few months of being there and they asked me to do Mr Magnier’s mares and foals, which was a great honour,” said Walsh.
“I did the night shift there, which was awesome, because I love nights.”
In 2016, Walsh commenced her vet nurses certificate, before heading Stateside for an internship at Hagyard Medical Institute in Kentucky in 2017.
“The internship was absolutely amazing, it was the best experience of my life, going there,” Walsh commented.
“The internship (at Hagyard Medical Institute) was absolutely amazing, it was the best experience of my life, going there.” - Kayleigh Walsh
The Englishwoman then returned to Australia for another stint at Coolmore, before a great opportunity came her way.
“Padraig and Rae-Louise (Kelly) offered me a job at Fernrigg Farm and I took it,” she said.
“I’ve been there just shy of five years now and I absolutely love it. Throughout that time, I’ve been studying and doing my vet nursing registration. I’ve just completed my training and assessment course, which is good; I can go to TAFE and teach and that kind of stuff.
“And, I do volunteer validation work, as well, so it’s great.
“It’s amazing, I love working with Rae-Louise and Padraig, they have allowed me to flourish, they’re really let me grow, both as a person and a professional, and they always support me, no matter what happens. I am who I am because of them, they’ve pushed me to be the best version of me.
“I am who I am because of them (Padraig and Rae-Louise Kelly), they’ve pushed me to be the best version of me.” - Kayleigh Walsh
“I also have a great team and I wouldn’t be in this position without them.”
Oh, what a night!
In March, Walsh - the stud manager and veterinary nurse at Fernrigg Farm - was one of five people shortlisted in the Dedication to Breeding category of the SSSAs, and in April, she was named one of two finalists alongside Joel Stewart from Yulong Investments.
On Wednesday night, Walsh attended the presentation ceremony at the Gold Coast Turf Club, and, much to her surprise, she was named the winner of the Magic Millions-sponsored award.
“It was amazing, yeah,” Walsh said.
“I was so nervous at the beginning, but it was a beautiful night and it was put on really well.
“I was so nervous at the beginning, but it was a beautiful night and it was put on really well.” - Kayleigh Walsh
“It was so good to celebrate it.
“It was a huge surprise, I didn’t think I would get it. Joel deserves it just as much as I do. During the night, you kind of doubt yourself; I was thinking, ‘He’s got this’, so when they announced me as the winner, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, it’s me’.”
Walsh admitted the phone call to her parents to inform them of her good news is one that will stick with her forever.
“They were amazing, absolutely stoked. I don’t think they understand how big a deal it was, because I didn’t want to talk myself up too much,” Walsh explained.
“When they got the pictures and heard the news, they were so proud.”
