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The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association has awarded the 2020 Irish National Stud Breeding Course scholarship to Rachel Thompson of Barador Stud in Martindale.

The HTBA scholarship has been a platform for many students going on to successful careers in the breeding industry in the Hunter Valley.

This opportunity will see the locally born and raised Thompson gaining valuable experience and further knowledge in many aspects of thoroughbred breeding and racing during her time in Ireland.

Each year the HTBA receives a big field of high-quality applicants, a credit to the Hunter Valley studs as both a productive nursery of champion thoroughbreds and young leaders of the future.

"We could have easily sent all three finalists this year" said Sub-Committee Chairman Mike Thew.

"The Hunter Valley has always prided itself in sending outstanding calibre students to the INS breeding course each year and is proud to have had such a long-standing scholarship available.

 "The high calibre of candidates again this year highlights the strong competition for this prestigious scholarship.

" The HTBA congratulates Rachel and wishes her every success with the course.  We are confident that Rachel will be a great ambassador for both the HTBA and Australia."

Recent graduates include Tyler Frazer (Godolphin 2019), Georgie Cavanough (Vinery 2018) and Damien Fitton (Arrowfield 2016).

Scholarship recipients return to their studs on completion of the course.

The first thoroughbred breeding course was held in the Irish National Stud in 1971 and remains the best-known equine training program to this day. 

Since its inception graduates have progressed to fulfilling careers in the industry and many have become prominent in thoroughbred breeding throughout the world, racehorse training, bloodstock sales, insurance and the media.

The full-time residential course begins in February and continues throughout the Northern Hemisphere's breeding season culminating in exams and prize giving in July. 

The course covers all aspects of the science and art of horse breeding and racing along with the ever-expanding areas of the thoroughbred industry such as marketing, human resource and work health & safety.

While they live and work on the stud lectures are held each afternoon from leaders of the Irish thoroughbred industry. 

Written, oral and practical exams are held at the end of the course.

Successful candidates receive the Irish National Stud certificate, recognised worldwide throughout the thoroughbred industry.