Sunline Management Scholarship
Take your thoroughbred career to England, Ireland & More
The Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship is an all-expenses-paid, 30-week international experience for emerging New Zealand thoroughbred professionals looking to advance their careers, expand their expertise and gain invaluable experience within the global breeding and racing industry.
About the Scholarship
The Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship is an all-expenses-paid, 30-week international programme for people already working within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry who want to advance their knowledge, broaden their experience and prepare for future management and leadership opportunities.
The scholarship provides hands-on experience across world-leading breeding, bloodstock, racing, administration and marketing organisations in Ireland, England, France, Hong Kong and Australia.
About Sunline
In the early 2000s the Auckland branch of the NZTBA recognised the need to send motivated young people abroad to expand their knowledge and skill set. Several large international breeding operations were approached to host the scholarship winners, and the local breeding fraternity were canvassed for funding.
A gala dinner was held to honour the achievements of Sunline, an Auckland bred mare, who was at the height of her stellar career. Stallion nominations donated by several major studs were auctioned off and the proceeds from the event were used to create the Sunline Trust that supports the International Management Scholarship.
In 2012 the Queen celebrated her Diamond jubilee and another gala dinner was held at Government House hosted by the Governor General. Donated stallion services were again auctioned with the proceeds added to the trust fund ensuring the continuation of the scholarship for years to come.
About the Course
The programme combines practical horse experience with exposure to the management, business and leadership practices that support successful international thoroughbred organisations.
Every successful candidate completes the full international itinerary:
Duration
30 weeks
Locations
Ireland, England, France, Hong Kong and Australia
Format
Practical, workplace-based learning across leading international thoroughbred organisations
Placements
Coolmore Stud — Ireland
Goffs Auction House — England
Weatherbys — England
Johnny McKeever Bloodstock — England
Arqana Auction House — France
Hong Kong Jockey Club — Hong Kong
Kick Collective — Australia
Chris Waller Racing — Australia
Focus
Thoroughbred breeding, bloodstock, sales, racing, administration, marketing, business, management and leadership
Funding
An all-expenses-paid international scholarship
Outcome
Advanced industry knowledge, international experience and valuable global connections to support the candidate’s long-term career within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry
How the Course Works
Throughout the 30-week scholarship, the successful candidate travels through five countries and completes placements across several key areas of the international thoroughbred industry.
The programme begins at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, where the scholar gains practical experience during the Northern Hemisphere breeding season. They then travel to England for placements with Goffs Auction House, Weatherbys and bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever, gaining exposure to thoroughbred sales, bloodstock, administration and the commercial side of the industry.
The programme continues in France at Arqana Auction House, before moving to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to experience one of the world’s most advanced racing jurisdictions. The final stage takes place in Australia, with placements at thoroughbred marketing agency Kick Collective and leading racing operation Chris Waller Racing.
Together, these compulsory placements provide a broad understanding of the thoroughbred industry—from breeding and horse management through to bloodstock, sales, racing administration, training, marketing and leadership.
What will I actually do?
The scholarship provides practical experience across many areas of the global thoroughbred industry.
Coolmore Stud — Ireland
Work within one of the world’s leading thoroughbred breeding operations, gaining hands-on experience with mares, foals, foaling, coverings, stallions, veterinary procedures and general stud management.
Goffs Auction House — England
Learn how an international thoroughbred auction house operates, with exposure to horse inspections, sale preparation, bloodstock administration, bid spotting and live sales.
Weatherbys — England
Develop an understanding of the administration, data, registration and business services that support the thoroughbred breeding and racing industries.
Johnny McKeever Bloodstock — England
Work alongside an experienced bloodstock agent to learn about pedigree assessment, physical inspections, sale preparation, shortlisting and purchasing horses.
Arqana Auction House — France
Experience the European yearling sales market and gain further insight into yearling selection, horse presentation, international buyers and live auction operations.
Hong Kong Jockey Club — Hong Kong
Explore the management of one of the world’s leading racing organisations, with potential exposure to racing operations, veterinary services, handicapping, broadcasting, horse welfare, training facilities and race-day management.
Kick Collective — Australia
Gain insight into marketing and communications within the thoroughbred industry, including content creation, research, social media, campaigns and industry promotion.
Chris Waller Racing — Australia
Experience the day-to-day operation of a world-class racing stable, including horse management, training systems, stable operations, staff management and race preparation.
Eligibility / Who Should Apply?
We are looking for motivated individuals who want to build a long-term career within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry and are ready to broaden their experience at an international level.
Applicants should / must:
Be a New Zealand Citizen
There is no age limit for this particular scholarship
Have a good general knowledge of the thoroughbred industry
Have experience in the management and handling of horses of all ages
Be working towards a long-term career within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry
Have an interest in management, business and leadership roles within the industry
Be hard-working, enthusiastic and eager to learn
Be confident working independently and as part of a team
Be adaptable and comfortable living and working overseas
Be open to different systems, practices and perspectives
Be willing to ask questions and make the most of every opportunity
Be committed to bringing their international knowledge, skills and connections back to New Zealand
** The scholarship is best suited to someone who already has a strong foundation within the thoroughbred industry and is ready to take the next step in their professional development.
Application Process
01 — CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Read the eligibility and scholarship conditions.
02 — PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
CV + Cover Letter
03 — SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Email your application forms (listed above) to NZTBA before the deadline.
04 — SHORTLIST & INTERVIEWS
The board will read through all applicants and begin shortlisting process. Applicants who have made it to the interview stage will be contacted and a date and time will be arranged to meet at our NZTBA office -11 Anzac Street, Cambridge.
05 — SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SELECTED
Successful candidates interviewed will ne notified within a week from interview date whether they have been successful or not.
What happens next?
Once applications close, all submissions are reviewed by the selection panel.
1. Applications Reviewed
Applicants are assessed on their experience, motivation, career goals and suitability for the scholarship.
2. Shortlisting
Selected applicants will be contacted and invited to progress to the interview stage.
3. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will meet with the selection panel to discuss their experience, ambitions and what they hope to gain from the opportunity.
4. Successful Candidate Selected
Following interviews, the successful recipient will be contacted and formally offered the scholarship.
5. Prepare for your Overseas Trip
NZTBA will work with the successful recipient on the next steps, including travel arrangements and preparation for their 7 months in Ireland, England France, Hong Kong and Australia. Passport photos and other documents will be organised during this time.
If you have any questions regarding this scholarship or need any help with any part of your application process, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Hear from past students
Student Blogs
Niamh Waters
2026 Sunline Management Scholarship Winner
