The 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program officially commenced yesterday in Victoria, welcoming 10 outstanding university graduates from across Australia for the opening of the program’s two-week intensive learning block.
Delivered by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse, the program is designed to attract high-calibre graduates into the thoroughbred industry and provide them with a structured pathway into long-term careers across breeding, racing, wagering and allied sectors.
Over the next fortnight, participants will take part in a series of lectures, workshops and behind-the-scenes industry visits with some of the sector’s leading organisations and professionals, including Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Troy Corstens from Malua and the Australian Trainers Association, Matt Hyland from the Victorian Jockeys Association, Dr Ben Mason of Crown Equine Veterinary Practice, and representatives from Stable Financial, Yulong, Swettenham, Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club.
The cohort will then progress into their six-week paid internships with host organisations across Australia including Racing Victoria, Entain, Magic Millions, Melbourne Racing Club, Alma Vale and Kitchwin Hills, Yulong, and others across the industry.
Andrew Hore-Lacy, CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse, said the program continues to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to investing in future talent.
“This program is about attracting exceptional young people into our industry and showing them the breadth of opportunity that exists across our racing and breeding industries,” Mr Hore-Lacy said.
“The quality and diversity of this year’s cohort is outstanding, and it reflects the growing interest from graduates who see genuine long-term career pathways in the sector.”
Mr Hore-Lacy also acknowledged the strong support from host employers and industry partners across racing, breeding and wagering.
“What has been particularly encouraging is the willingness of organisations right across the industry to invest in the next generation,” he said.
“As a peak body for breeders, we see this as an industry-wide responsibility. Creating pathways that open doors for talented graduates into all parts of the sector strengthens the whole ecosystem.”
The 2026 intake brings together graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds, reflecting the increasingly diverse skill sets required across the modern thoroughbred sector.
2026 Aushorse Graduate Program participants:
- Benjamin Cameron – Bachelor of Biomedicine (Bioengineering)
- Riley Kennedy – Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing Management)
- Noah Campbell – Diploma of Business Studies (Digital Marketing)
- Jett Halls – Master of Intelligence and Bachelor of Security Studies
- Emma O’Reilly – Bachelor of Medical Science (Medical Bioinformatics) and Bachelor of Arts (Criminology)
- Erin Menzies – Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management / Innovation)
- Will Pfitzner – Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours), majoring in Analytics and Finance
- Darcy Wade – Bachelor of Business (Management and Innovation), sub-majors in Finance and Marketing
- Celsa Bilardello – Bachelor of Animal Science (Canine and Equine Science)
- Alan Anderson – Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management
The Aushorse Graduate Program was launched in 2025 and has already delivered strong outcomes, with 90% of graduates now working in full-time roles within the thoroughbred industry.
For more information, please visit www.tbaus.com/graduate_program/about/
