IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.
The Les Young Scholarship provides young people within the thoroughbred breeding industry the opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge via an international course at The National Stud, United Kingdom.
About Les Young
In 2019, the thoroughbred and racing industry lost one of their most devoted figures. Les Young was a renowned industry all-rounder – respected bloodstock agent, journalist, long-serving committee member of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW as well as a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, Les spent a lifetime committed to the thoroughbred.
He was an industry leader on the NSW Breeders’ Association committee, a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, as well as a past president and life member of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents of Australia. Les was also a passionate and successful owner-breeder, running his own sales company, and was a regular contributor to several industry publications.
In 1995, Les was a foundation member of the Equine Advisory Committee (under the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation) allocating funding for equine research projects. To this day, the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Program continues to invest in high-impact research and development that improves sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry. The program supports investment in projects across key priority areas including:
Les was renowned and generous with his time mentoring young people who were keen to work within the thoroughbred breeding and racing industries, and we are proud to establish this scholarship in his honour.
About the scholarship
The scholarship will provide funding and support to the successful applicant via a combination of theory and practical coursework at The National Stud in the United Kingdom where they will develop further understanding around foaling and breeding, bloodstock husbandry and stable and equine management. The programme can be tailored to suit the recipient depending on their experience and career goals. All travel and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.
Find out more about the UK National Stud courses
How to apply
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should be aged between 18 and 25 years, have at least two years industry experience in breeding, bloodstock, spelling or racing, as well as an intention to remain part of the industry as their career progresses.
Provide your answers to the following questions:
Please attach to your application:
For more information on the desired skills set for the Les Young Scholarship, please see the scholarship assessment matrix here
Applications for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship close Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 5pm AEST
For more information please contact:
Caitlin Smith
Manager, Research – Thoroughbred Horses and Chicken Meat
caitlin.smith@agrifutures.com.au | 0407 987 738
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