Do what you love, love what you do.
Are you ready to turn your love for horses into a dream career?
The Thoroughbred Industry offers endless opportunities for anyone who's ever dreamt of a career with horses. Whether you're driven by the thrill of race day, the excitement of the sales ring, or have a passion for business, the industry has a diverse range of career paths waiting for you.
So why wait? Take the reins and explore your options today – your dream career in the world of thoroughbred breeding and racing awaits!
Check out the stories of some of the champions of our industry.
Mitchell Whelan
Godolphin Flying Start Trainee 2023 - 2025
Young Kiwi Mitchell Whelan was recently accepted into the 2023 intake of the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program, where successful applicants travel the world learning from the very best in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
LOVERACING.NZ spent some time with Mitchell to learn a bit more about how his non-racing background led to an immersion in the industry, from working for trainer Terry Kennedy, to Cambridge Stud, and White Robe Lodge and more recently as a Foreman at Stephen Marsh Racing.
Matia Grace
Tauherenikau Track Manager
LOVERACING.NZ recently spent some time with Tauherenikau track manager Matia Grace to learn more about her and the role she plays in maintaining the track and grounds at one of New Zealand's iconic race tracks.
The Wairarapa Racing Club has been racing at Tauherenikau since 1874 and hosts three meetings yearly. The Masterton Racing Club ran their race meeting at Opaki Racecourse until moving to Tauherenikau in 1987 and run their Masterton Cup meeting once a year at the track.
Kelsey Hannan
Apprentice Jockey
Having her first race-day ride in March 2022, Kelsey Hannan has made a dominant start to her career as current leader of the apprentice premiership.
From a non-horsey background, Kelsey has quickly moved up the riding ranks and has big ambitions in mind. Apprenticed to Shaun Phelan Racing, no two days are the same as she works hard to obtain those winning rides. Ultra-competitive and bubbly, Kelsey is a young gun with a bright future in the game.
Noel Harris
Apprentice Mentor and Riding Master
With a career spanning over four decades, Noel Harris is not only our Northern Region Riding Master, but a former champion jockey, mentor, generational industry participant, a friend to many and all-round legend.
View more participant stories by clicking the link below
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