On track for industry leadership

It’s still sinking in that she’ll be rubbing shoulders with the best-of-the-best at The National Stud in the United Kingdom from January next year.

“I hadn’t even considered this as a possibility,” Miriam said.

“I’ve grown up in this industry, but I’ve only been working on the racing side for just over a year, and the European racing industry felt a long way off.

“I’m really excited to learn all sides of the breeding industry, and I have a big interest in the veterinary and medical aspects of this.

“The bloodstock side of things plus stud management and people management is all fascinating to me.”

Hungry for knowledge and to expand the breadth of her experience, Miriam intends to soak it all in during her time immersed in the heart of the British thoroughbred industry.

“Coming out of the program at The National Stud, I’m looking forward to discovering what areas I’m most passionate about and truly enjoy,” she said.

“I also hope to improve my leadership skills to set me up for these roles in the future.”

Currently second-in-command to the day shift supervisor at Lindsay Park Racing in Euroa, Miriam credits being entrusted with responsibility early with shaping her ambitions: to lead in her industry, contribute to its sustainability and repay the mentoring that has already been pivotal in her life.

In addition to acknowledging the team at Lindsay Park, Miriam recognises Daniel Nevill of Hollylodge Thoroughbreds for his continued support and for offering practical experience during her holidays, which included preparing yearlings for sales and working with broodmares and foals.

Endless opportunities

Growing up, Miriam was shaped in equal parts by her family’s Southdown sheep stud and commercial Corriedale flock (the qualified wool classer has started her own Corriedale sheep stud) and the thoroughbred breeding business her parents started in 1994.

For Miriam, there was something captivating about a childhood filled with riding, yearling prep, broodmares and foals.

“I’m passionate about the wool industry, so I have been torn,” she said.

“But you have to absolutely love what you do, and it’s the thoroughbreds I dream about.

“There’s so much to learn, from the racing side to breeding. There are so many facets you can delve into, and you never stop learning.”

At The National Stud in Newmarket, Miriam will have access to a tailored program combining practice and theory that has been custom designed for her.

“I spoke to the team at The National Stud recently and I know there will be a lot to do on the breeding side of things — from foaling down mares, working in the covering sheds and learning about matings,” she said.

She also values the access this scholarship affords to the nuanced differences in European thoroughbred bloodlines.

“This is very relevant to the Australian thoroughbred industry, as their [European] shuttle stallions come out and influence our Australian bloodlines.

“Going back to foundational sire lines and bloodlines that our horses descend from is a great opportunity.

“I’m excited to see more stayers and long-distance horses and compare them to the typical Australian thoroughbreds where the focus is predominately on speed.”

After her 16-week study experience in the UK, Miriam plans to combine hands-on industry work with a Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) and pursue her goal to give back to the industry that has already given her so much.

“I definitely would not have thought about an opportunity like this if it wasn’t for a scholarship.

“This is taking people who have a keen interest in the industry and giving them the education, experience and network to become leaders who will keep the industry thriving and sustainable for the next generation.”