Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is delighted to announce that Fast Track graduate Molly Spalding has been awarded the 2026 Nolan Scholarship, providing her with the opportunity to undertake the prestigious Irish National Stud Breeding Management Course in Ireland next year.
Established in memory of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, a highly respected and much-loved member of the Australian thoroughbred breeding community, the scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate of TBA's Fast Track program. It recognises the qualities Basil valued most, including honesty, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the industry.
Molly graduated from Fast Track in 2025, having completed her placement at Vinery Stud in the Hunter Valley. During her time at Vinery, she gained experience across two breeding seasons and attended the Magic Millions National Broodmare and Weanling Sales. She has since joined Holbrook Thoroughbreds, where she is broadening her skills and knowledge across a range of stud management activities.
With ambitions to progress into a leadership role on a stud farm, Molly has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, including undertaking additional training in foaling management. She sees the scholarship as an opportunity to gain international experience and further develop the skills needed to build a successful career in the thoroughbred industry.
"I’m incredibly grateful to the Nolan family and the whole team at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia to be the recipient of the Basil Nolan Jr scholarship for 2027," Molly said.
"I look forward to building on skills and deepening my knowledge of the industry through the Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course at the Irish National Stud.
"This scholarship is a legacy of honesty and hard work, I hope to continue that same focus and look forward to bringing back broader knowledge and experiences after my time in Ireland."
Molly will travel to Ireland in January 2027 to commence the six-month Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course, an internationally renowned program offering immersive, hands-on experience across all aspects of thoroughbred breeding and stud management.
Molly was chosen following a competitive interview process involving members of the Nolan family and a representative from Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
Basil Nolan Snr, Stud Principal at Raheen Stud and father of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, said Molly was a deserving recipient who embodied the qualities the scholarship was established to recognise.
"Molly has shown a genuine commitment to building a career in the thoroughbred breeding industry, and it has been wonderful to see how much she has achieved since joining Fast Track," Mr Nolan said.
"Basil was passionate about encouraging young people who were willing to work hard, learn and make the most of every opportunity. Amongst a strong field of applicants, Molly stood out as exemplifying those qualities.
"We congratulate Molly on her selection and look forward to seeing what she achieves during her time in Ireland and beyond."
The Nolan Scholarship is delivered through a collaboration between TBA, the Nolan family and the Irish National Stud, providing talented Fast Track graduates with an opportunity to develop their skills on the international stage.
Since its establishment in 2020, the scholarship has supported the professional development of emerging talent within Australia's thoroughbred breeding industry. 2025 recipient Mackenzie Porter recently completed her studies in Ireland and has since returned to Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley.
For more information about the Nolan Scholarship and TBA's education and training programs, visit www.tbaus.com.
