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 International Management Scholarship aims to identify existing and potential managers within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry. It offers them an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience and highlight the diverse career options available within the international bloodstock business.
The successful applicant receives an all-expenses paid, bonded trip of 30 weeks to experience the operational infrastructure, systems and management of two of the Northern hemisphere's leading stud farms: Shadwell Stud (England) and Coolmore Stud (Ireland) with the remainder of the time specialised to suit the successful candidate's areas of interest.
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 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 combines hands-on experience at world-leading thoroughbred operations with exposure to the business, management and leadership practices behind successful international breeding and racing organisations.
Duration
30 weeks
Where
Ireland, England and other international locations selected as part of the tailored programme
Core Placements
Coolmore Stud, Ireland and Shadwell Stud, England
Format
Practical, workplace-based learning across leading international thoroughbred operations
Focus
Thoroughbred breeding, racing, bloodstock, business, management and leadership
Tailored Experience
The remaining placements are selected to suit the successful candidate’s experience, career goals and specific areas of interest
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
The scholarship begins in Ireland with a placement at Coolmore Stud, where the successful candidate is immersed in the Northern Hemisphere breeding season. Working within one of the world’s leading thoroughbred operations, they gain practical experience across areas such as mares and foals, foaling, coverings, stallion management and general stud operations.
The programme then continues in England at Shadwell Stud, providing further experience within an internationally respected racing and breeding organisation.
The remaining stages of the scholarship are individually tailored to the successful candidate. Depending on their interests and career aspirations, placements may include bloodstock and sales, racing stables, veterinary operations, marketing, racing administration or other areas of thoroughbred management. This may include travel to Hong Kong and / or Australia.
Throughout the programme, the successful candidate will work alongside experienced industry professionals, experience different approaches to breeding and racing, and develop an international network of valuable industry connections.
What will I actually do?
The scholarship is designed to provide broad, hands-on experience across the international thoroughbred industry. Placements and activities will vary depending on the successful candidate’s interests and the opportunities available.
Coolmore Stud, Ireland
Gain practical experience during the Northern Hemisphere breeding season, which may include working with mares and foals, foaling, coverings, teasing, veterinary procedures, stallion operations and general stud management.
Shadwell Stud, England
Experience the systems, standards and day-to-day management of one of the world’s most respected thoroughbred breeding and racing operations.
Tailored Industry Placements
Complete additional placements selected to support your individual career goals and areas of interest within the industry.
These opportunities may include:
Travelling to Hong Kong
Travelling to Australia
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:
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 + whatever else NZTBA requires.
03 — SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Email/application form,exact recipient, deadline & closing time.
04 — SHORTLIST & INTERVIEWS
Explain exactly who reviews applications, when shortlisted applicants hear and what the interview involves.
05 — SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SELECTED
Explain when they're notified and what happens next.
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 and other potential overseas destinations.
