They say timing is everything and when one door closes another will open.
We can certainly be grateful for the sustainability of the thoroughbred industry, with breeders showing extreme resilience and stamina over the past few years enduring drought, fires, floods and Covid-19. The incredible thing that comes with the endurance of hard times, is communities rising up to unite and work together, collaborating for the betterment and security of their business, their community and their future.
This year a number of studs find themselves seeking skilled staff for the sales season and without the seasonal overseas workers being able to travel to Australia, many are just hoping for a mystery flight to open and deliver.
The forward thinkers however, are looking regionally to build an Australian industry workforce for the future by upskilling existing staff and training new entrants. This year thanks to the support of Training Services NSW, breeders in New South Wales are signing up a record number of Year 12 school graduates and young new entrants into thoroughbred industry traineeships. So far almost 60 people will commence a Certificate III in Horse Breeding and over 100 existing industry people are upskilling with supervisor and leadership courses to ensure a quality group of new entrants succeed, following this a Certificate IV in Horse Breeding will commence in 12 months time to continue their education. Whilst this is just the beginning, it is quite possible New South Wales Stud Farms are seeking to become globally recognised not just as a breeder of champion horses but, as breeders of champion people too.
It is important to invest training into valuable employees, but it is vitally important to recognise the power of educating people outside the breeding and racing industry about the wonderful life people lead when working with thoroughbreds. Who better to do this than a global alliance of industry participants.
That said it is our pleasure to inform TBNSW members about a great collaboration website launched today, Together for Racing International (TfRI) – a global alliance to promote and progress education, community engagement, and career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry.
TfRI resulted from a 2019 education forum hosted by Godolphin in Newmarket, UK. This event gathered thoroughbred breeding, racing, and education professionals from six countries who addressed challenges to inclusion, attracting newcomers, supporting education, and workforce enrichment. Forum attendees collaborated on a global vision and strategy to grow and sustain the thoroughbred industry. The outcome was Together for Racing International, which focuses on three pillars for development: education, community engagement, and workforce.
TfRI is a platform for connecting the world with the thoroughbred. The resources and inspirational content on the website will inform students, educators, parents, and industry members about available opportunities for learning and involvement. It also serves as a networking medium for countries to collaborate and support the progression of emerging programs.
TfRI is chaired by Chris Grant and developed through a network of global steering committee members from Australia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, and the United States.
Grant was Vice-Chair of London’s ground-breaking 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy International Development Programme, International Inspiration, and has moderated several editions of the global Beyond Sport Forum.
TfRI global steering committee members represent the following educational and workforce organisations: AFASEC (FR); France-Galop (FR); Godolphin (Globally); Horse Racing Ireland (IRE); Irish National Stud (IRE); Kentucky Equine Talent Pipeline Project (USA); North American Racing Academy (USA); Racing Together (GB); The Racing Foundation (GB); and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (AUS).
“Racing Australia is working closely with the Principal Racing Authorities and industry via a national working group to support objectives of TfRI, and welcomes the launch of the TfRI website.” Myles Foreman, CEO of Racing Australia shared in his statement about the project.
TfRI Australian committee representative, Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) CEO Lindy Maurice, said “This website attests to the positive impact that the racing industry is having on individuals and communities in Australia and in other major racing jurisdictions. TfRI reinforces we’re a part of a global industry and we are looking forward to seeing what this alliance can achieve together."
To learn more, visit www.togetherforracinginternational.com, or contact info@togetherforracinginternational.com.
“A year ago today, the international racing community united at the Godolphin Forum for Education in Newmarket and committed to ensuring that racing can offer greater opportunities to educators, young people and our communities. From there, Together for Racing International (TfRI) has now evolved and is an organisation Godolphin is proud to support. The TfRI website provides a comprehensive view of the fantastic initiatives already in place globally and is an enormous step towards achieving our aim of engaging with young people and encouraging them to work in our wonderful sport.” Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director UK and Dubai.
“Horses and people have always had a symbiotic relationship from early civilisations. As participants in our sport and the breeding industry, it is our duty to continue to encourage and expand the human connection with the thoroughbred. We are stewards of the animal at its centre, and it is our mission, and truly a privilege, to support initiatives like TfRI, linking up internationally to promote horse racing and breeding – and the horse itself – to the world.” John Gosden, World-Renowned Racehorse Trainer.
“There is such a vast array of positive initiatives happening in the horse racing industry around the world. But awareness is key, and unless we publicise the amazing impact so many programs are having, they risk going unnoticed. A resource like TfRI has the ability to connect industry newcomers with learning experiences; inspire educators to try new curriculums, and encourage communities to look at how their local racetracks and breeding farms are giving back.” Annise Montplaisir, TfRI Project Manager.
For Australian enquires about TfRI please contact Lindy Maurice on 0488066604, for employee training courses available in NSW contact TBNSW.
