18 November 2024

A Moss Vale teen with a passion for horseracing has galloped into a promising career with the help of an immersive program aimed at kickstarting careers in the booming thoroughbred racing industry.

The Silverdale Academy, a collaboration between TAFE NSW and leading Southern Highlands broodmare operation Silverdale Farm, provides students with a unique, hands-on experience, including an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of racing’s biggest names.

Thoroughbred racing is Australia’s third largest industry, employing over 75,000 people and generating about $5 billion annually for the national economy.

Following a successful launch in late 2021, the Silverdale Academy has given dozens of graduates the practical skills, experience and contacts to gain employment across all facets of the racing industry.

Enrolments have just opened for the latest program – the Silverdale Academy Australian Turf Club Internship Program – giving students an insider’s view of the thoroughbred breeding industry.

Moss Vale resident Luka Toogood, 18, fondly recalls his early childhood years where he would regularly spent time at his grandfather’s Rosehill stable.

“I used to love running around the stable and the whole operation just fascinated me,” Mr Toogood said. “During my schooling years, I didn’t really have a firm career goal but pursuing a career in racing was always in the back of my mind.”

After stints doing school holidays work experience at Ciaron Maher Racing during years 9 and 10, Mr Toogood had made up his mind.

He earned a place in the Silverdale Academy at the end of year 10, helping him secure a full-time role with Ciaron Maher Racing.

“The academy was an incredible experience and such an eye-opener to see how many career avenues there are in the industry,” he said. “To get a glimpse at how all the roles come together, the theory behind thoroughbred breeding and to be able to meet so many leading participants in racing was very special.”

Now two years into his role, Mr Toogood hopes to broaden his experience as a stablehand in Europe before returning home to work towards his ultimate goal of becoming a trainer.

TAFE NSW equine teacher Linda Molloy said the upcoming Silverdale Academy program would blend online learning with a visit to the Inglis Classic Yearling Sales next February, and the chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest names.

Previous interns have been given personal masterclasses by racing icons, including Gai Waterhouse, Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students not just to learn valuable employability skills, but network with some of the industry biggest names,” Ms Molloy said.

“The job prospects for our interns are exceptional and everyone of them who has wanted to find a job after the course has successfully done it.”

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0477 722 428