Cover image courtesy of Inglis
Inglis is excited to announce the return of its highly regarded Internship program, with applications now officially open. TTR caught up with former intern, now Inglis Bloodstock Assistant, Will Gardner to discuss the opportunity and the pathway it provides.
What is the Inglis Internship?
The Inglis Internship is a full-time position that provides the successful candidate the chance to gain an in-depth insight and understanding of all facets of the racing and breeding industries across the entire Inglis business.
The role sees the successful applicant spend time in each of the major divisions of the Inglis organisation, predominantly in the bloodstock team, while also gaining exposure to the marketing, Inglis Digital and Inglis Rural Property teams across both the Sydney and Melbourne offices.
The intern will have the opportunity to learn from influential participants within Inglis, as well as broader industry leaders, developing an understanding of how and why Inglis continues to operate as a global market leader.
Will Gardner | Image courtesy of Inglis
Gardner said one of the biggest advantages of the internship was the level of exposure it provides across the industry.
“Inglis provides great exposure, you're exposed to farm managers, bloodstock managers, trainers and all sorts of people working within the industry across Australia.
“Inglis provides great exposure to all sorts of people working within the industry across Australia.” - Will Gardner
“We are very lucky to work with industry leaders such as Sebastian (Hutch), our boss and then obviously our New South Wales and Victorian bloodstock agents. You learn how to inspect horses, deal with vendors, but then also deal with buyers on the other hand. So you sort of get a grasp of the whole industry.”
He explained that this breadth of experience sets the role apart from more traditional pathways.
“It’s slightly different to being in a racing stable, where I suppose you probably don't deal so much on the breeding side. So you aren't getting a bigger grasp on the whole industry.”
“It’s slightly different to being in a racing stable, where I suppose you probably don't deal so much on the breeding side. So you aren't getting a bigger grasp on the whole industry.” - Will Gardner
Gardner’s own background ensured he could make the most of that exposure, having worked across multiple areas of the industry prior to joining Inglis.
“Before I started my internship I actually did 18 months on a breeding farm and then I went over to England and did 18 months over in a racing stable to sort of grasp what is involved in the wider aspects of the industry and build knowledge.
“I could call it my apprenticeship in breeding and then my apprenticeship in training before getting the opportunity to start the internship. I think that's important because when you're speaking to stud managers or even stud hands, you have done that and then you're speaking to trainers or assistant trainers that you've done that as well, so you have more of an understanding and can relate better.”
Reflecting on that journey, Gardner noted the personal development that came with the experience.
“I found that valuable to my self-growth.”
He also pointed to the evolving nature of the Inglis business as another key benefit for interns.
“Inglis keeps on getting bigger and there are even more aspects of the business that are growing, such as rural property, and finance and insurance. Inglis is very much not a one-trick or industry pony, I suppose, to use a cliché, it’s not just horse sales, the exposure is wide.
“Inglis keeps on getting bigger and there are even more aspects of the business that are growing, it’s not just horse sales, the exposure is wide.” - Will Gardner
“The property aspect is growing, and obviously the digital markets flying, it turns over just under $100 million annually.”
The internship will begin in the Spring and run for 12 months, with the possibility of future full-time employment with the company at its conclusion.
What makes a good candidate?
When asked about the attributes of a strong applicant, Gardner emphasised that attitude and willingness to learn were just as important as experience, encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply.
“I think the biggest thing is you just have to want to learn, have an open-mind and be willing to have a go at all things.”
“I think the biggest thing is you just have to want to learn, have an open-mind and be willing to have a go at all things.” - Will Gardner
Drawing on his own experience, Gardner said a traditional racing background is not essential.
“You don’t have to be from a racing family to have a go, I didn’t at all, and only started to take an interest when I was about 12 and used to travel to Sydney on a Saturday and with a harness racing trainer a couple of times a year.
“It sort of started from there, then went to university in Armidale. I still hadn't had anything to really do with horses and then decided to go and start working on Eureka Stud through one of their sons that went to university with me.”
He added that even the application process itself can be valuable for those looking to build a career in the industry.
“I think anyone that's willing to have a crack should apply, even if you aren't successful the whole interview process is a great learning opportunity also. Interviews can help you along down the track.”
“I think anyone that's willing to have a crack should apply, Interviews can help you along down the track.” - Will Gardner
A proven pathway into the industry
Gardner’s progression from intern to Inglis Bloodstock Assistant highlights the long-term opportunity the program can provide, with the internship acting as a genuine stepping stone into the industry.
That sentiment is echoed by Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch, who encouraged prospective applicants to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I encourage anybody out there – whether you are already involved in racing or are sitting on the sidelines wishing you could be involved – to send through an application. This really is a fabulous opportunity,” Hutch said.
Sebastian Hutch | Image courtesy of Inglis
Hutch further emphasised the scope of the program and the environment applicants will enter.
“We pride ourselves on being a dynamic, enthusiastic and fun team at Inglis and the successful candidate will be immersed in our business with a view to learning from some of the most talented people in the industry,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on being a dynamic, enthusiastic and fun team at Inglis and the successful candidate will be immersed in our business with a view to learning from some of the most talented people in the industry.” - Sebastian Hutch
He also pointed to the success of previous graduates as evidence of the program’s impact.
“This program has proved to be a fantastic pathway with alumni including our own James Price and Will Gardner as well as the likes of Peter Twomey and James Mitchell, both of whom are successful bloodstock agents in their own right.
“Our team has around 1000 years of combined experience, so for someone with a real passion for the thoroughbred industry, the internship is something to get really excited about.”
Hutch added that the breadth of the auction house model provides unique industry access.
“The opportunities that come with this role for an up-and-coming industry participant are so broad, auction houses engage, in some capacity, with just about every arm of the industry.”
How to apply
For those interested in applying, candidates are required to submit a current CV, including appropriate references, along with a cover letter outlining why they are a suitable applicant.
Applications should be sent to internship@inglis.com.au, with submissions closing on July 3.
For more information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact a member of the Inglis team.
