Written by Keely Mckitterick
Cover image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
On Wednesday, February 7, applications for Thoroughbred Breeders Australia's (TBA) Fast Track program will open.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Fast Track program is celebrating its seventh year of operation and has proved a successful pathway into the Australian racing and breeding industry with close to 90 per cent of their trainees remaining in the industry after the completion of the program.
Tom Reilly | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Crucially, Fast Track has aided in tackling the much-publicised industry staffing shortages, the 12-month course was designed to target people who have had an interest in racing and breeding but with little knowledge on how to get their foot in the door.
Fast Track provides successful trainees with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers. Alongside, the opportunity to create and foster relationships with their peers and industry professionals.
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Chief Executive Officer Tom Reilly said, “Fast Track offers anyone with a passion for horses the opportunity to begin a career with thoroughbreds, regardless of their background or level of hands-on experience.
“Fast Track offers anyone with a passion for horses the opportunity to begin a career with thoroughbreds, regardless of their background or level of hands-on experience.” - Tom Reilly
“Walking around the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January it was great to see so many of our past trainees working for farms, a number of who had no horse experience before starting on the program, and who may not have found their way into the industry otherwise.”
Successful applicants to the 2024 Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Fast Track program will commence a full-time paid traineeship with a stud farm while studying for a Certificate III in Horse Breeding- a nationally recognised formal qualification.
To complement the on-the-job learning, students attend two intensive learning blocks in Scone (six weeks in total), where they receive a mix of practical training and classroom theory, as well as take part in a variety of field trips and personal development workshops.
McDonald thriving at Yarraman
Lucy McDonald, who is a current trainee and due to graduate in May is currently undertaking her traineeship at Yarraman Park, the home of Australia’s reigning Champion Sire I Am Invincible, and his Group 1-producing son Hellbent.
Lucy McDonald | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
Before joining the Fast Track program, McDonald, who is originally from Byron Bay, was working at Betty’s Burgers and had no thoroughbred experience but loved pony club and pleasure riding.
“The Fast Track program caught my attention, due to its accessibility. They are willing to accept people with or without horse experience, which was beneficial to me as I never really had any experience in the racing industry,” McDonald told The Thoroughbred Report.
“It looked like a great first step and introduction into the industry. The highlights for me have been meeting all the other trainees, I have created quite strong friendships with my fellow trainees and also getting to know people in the industry.
“The highlights for me have been meeting all the other trainees, I have created quite strong friendships with my fellow trainees and also getting to know people in the industry.” - Lucy McDonald
“It is very special getting to know and work with people, who are doing what they love, working with horses. I have really loved working with the foals and broodmares, I am still learning and experiencing other facets of the industry and haven’t quite decided what my ultimate career goal is.”
McDonald was eager to encourage anybody with the slightest curiosity about the Fast Track program, to seek out more information and apply.
“I would highly encourage anybody to apply for the Fast Track program. Over the past eight months here I have learnt a lot about the racing and breeding industry but also about myself.
“Whether you have horse or experience or not, it is a great opportunity to pick up those skills and meet and make a lot of friends along the way.”
“Whether you have horse or experience or not, it is a great opportunity to pick up those skills and meet and make a lot of friends along the way.” - Lucy McDonald
Crucial to industry
Kate Fleming of Bhima Thoroughbreds was also complimentary of the Fast Track program, and its importance to the overall health of industry.
Kate Fleming | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“The experience of taking on a trainee has been both rewarding and beneficial to our entire team; not only are we being a part of helping our trainees to learn and grow, but we are encouraging young people into our industry.
“Without programs like Fast Track, finding, training and bringing young staff into the industry would be much more difficult. It's a great way for both the young people to get a taste of the industry and for farms to gain new employees.
“I’d absolutely encourage farms to get involved in the program. It’s a great way to gain fresh new staff with the added bonus of knowing you are helping to grow and strengthen our industry,” she adds.
“I’d absolutely encourage farms to get involved in the program. It’s a great way to gain fresh new staff with the added bonus of knowing you are helping to grow and strengthen our industry.” - Kate Fleming
Fast Track is open to anyone in Australia who is 18 years and over.
Applications close Monday, March 11 and you can head to tbaus.com or email madison@tbaus.com to find out more information.
