Applications open for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship

Media Release - Thursday April 17

Young professionals in the thoroughbred breeding industry have a unique opportunity to enhance their careers, with applications now open for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship.

Click here for more info.

The prestigious scholarship provides funding to undertake an international course and paid placement at the renowned National Stud in the UK.

Named in honour of Les Young, a respected figure in the thoroughbred industry, the scholarship upholds his legacy of mentorship and talent development. Les was a bloodstock agent, journalist, and long-serving member of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW, as well as a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association.

In 1995, he co-founded the Equine Advisory Committee under the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, driving funding for equine research. Today, the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program continues to support industry sustainability through research and development.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to individuals aged 18–25 who have at least two years of industry experience in breeding, bloodstock, spelling, or racing and intend to continue contributing to the thoroughbred industry.

Advertisement

Applicants must submit a written application addressing their industry experience, long-term goals, and perspectives on key industry challenges and opportunities, along with two letters of support and a current resume.

Key dates

Applications close: 5 pm (AEST), Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Selection process concludes: Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Successful candidate notified: Thursday, 29 May 2025

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 1
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Saturday May 31
Here is the full list of 116 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Magic Justify x Fastnet Rock Cross Strikes in Hong Kong
With Justify’s very best son City of Troy (USA) shuttling to Coolmore Australia this spring it’s worth remembering the power of the Justify x Fastnet Rock nick and we saw it to the fore at Sha Tin on Saturday when Australian bred four year-old Pray for Mir took out the Group III The Lion Rock Trophy (1600m).
The Secret is Out!
He has big shoes to fill as a half-brother to a $12million earner, but there is no secret about his ability! 
Expensive Ghaiyyath Colt Wins Stakes
Darley shuttler Ghaiyyath (IRE) had his first Australian winner earlier this week and overnight produced a new stakes-winner in the UK where Godolphin owned colt Opera Ballo won the Listed Heron Stakes (1m)at Sandown.
First Winner for Palace Pier
Kingman’s Champion 3YO Miler Palace Pier(GB) was a one term shuttler to Australia for Darley in 2022 and that crop will race next season, but in the meantime he had his first Northern Hemisphere winner overnight at Haydock.
Familiar Faces Win $100,000 Jumps Features at Sandown
Jumps racing took centre stage at Sandown on Sunday with some familiar colours and faces winning both the $100,000 Australian Steeplechase (3900m) and the $100,000 Australian Hurdle (3900m).
Cool Aza Beel Strikes Again
Proven Te Akau Racing filly Cool Aza Rene put her quality on display when prevailing in a competitive Nellies Restaurant and Bar 2YO (820m) at Wingatui on Sunday.
Aussie Bred Trifecta in G3 Sha Tin Vase
Toronado (IRE) gelding Helios Express led home a tricta for Aussie bred sprinters in the Group III Sha Tin Vase (1200m) on Saturday defeating Invincible Sage (Thronum) and Patch of Theta (Zoustar).
Bright Future for El Roca 3YO
Owner-trainer-breeder Kylie Little believes she might have a promising stayer on her hands with Eagle Rock, who left maiden ranks with an emphatic performance in Saturday’s Matt Edwards-Lime Group Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa.