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Media Release: New scholarship puts racing on the radar for SA students

Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) has underlined its commitment to help grow the next generation of racing industry participants by offering three fully-funded positions in the prestigious Explorer Cadetship Program.

The innovative program gives participants an immersive year-long introduction to a career in racing, starting with 12 weeks of theory and practical learning at Western Sydney University's Hawkesbury Campus followed by nine months of paid placements with some of the country’s leading racing businesses.

TRSA will fully fund the first 12-week ‘boot camp’ element for three South Australian participants before they go onto their guaranteed paid work placement for the remainder of the program. The investment by TRSA equates to more than $20,000.

“The racing industry offers a range of diverse and rewarding careers, but it’s sometimes hard for young people to figure out the best way to get the training and experience they need to break in,” said TRSA Chief Operating Officer Nick Redin.

“That’s why we’re investing in the future of our industry at the grass roots level by providing fully-funded positions in the Explorer Cadetship Program for three young South Australians.

“They will get the expert, hands-on guidance and support they need to jump-start their careers while, in return, our industry will get job-ready employees who are raring to go.”

During their work placements, cadets will learn from a number of leading employers including Chris Waller, Gai Waterhouse and South Australia’s McEvoy Mitchell Racing. TRSA will also seek expressions of interest from other SA trainers wanting to participate in the program and employ the students during their work placements.

“As an employer, we think this is a fantastic program at both ends,” said Tony McEvoy.

“The cadets are getting an outstanding opportunity to fast-track their careers with first-hand experience at top-tier businesses, while we know we’re getting a well-rounded graduate who’s ready to work.

“It’s great that TRSA is helping grow the South Australian industry with this initiative.”

Applications are open now, click here for more inforation. And, according to TRSA’s Nick Redin, there’s even potential good news for those who aren’t successful.

“We would like to use the application process to help introduce people to broader careers in racing such as track work riding,” he said.

“Track work is one of the fundamental skills that underpins our industry, and we’re in short supply – particularly in the regions. So, we’re hopeful this process will help open some more eyes to the opportunities that are available.”

Details of the Explorer Cadetship Program include:

Part One: Boot Camp
During Boot Camp, program participants will be taught the basics of attending to and handling thoroughbreds in stables and at trackwork, riding thoroughbreds (tailored to suit varying abilities), health and safety of self and others, career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry, ethics and rules of racing, stud operations and quarantine procedures, pedigrees and conformation of thoroughbreds and more.

Part Two: Racing stable placement
Participants commence their first 4.5 months paid work-placement with a leading racing stable, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into the racing industry.

Part Three: Stud farm placement
Participants start their second 4.5 months paid work-placement with a leading stud farm, learning all aspects of the care and management of breeding stock including mares, foals and stallions, preparing yearlings for sale and the mating process.

Media enquiries: Alexandra Green, Michels Warren, 0418 608 038 or agreen@micwar.com.au

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