Call for scholarship applications

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, in partnership with the Keith and Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship Trust, are offering the opportunity of a lifetime for one young industry participant. 

Applications are now open for the Irish National Stud Scholarship, which supports the successful candidate to attend the renowned establishment to complete the internationally recognised National Stud Diploma course, beginning in January 2023.

The recipient then returns to New Zealand to complete a six-month tenure at Trelawney Stud, known as one of the best producers of quality thoroughbreds in the country.

“This really is a life changing opportunity for someone looking to take that next step and develop their career,” NZTBA chief executive Justine Sclater said.

“The students are required to complete academic studies, as well as develop knowledge and skills while working with some of the best horses and people in the area.

“All our past candidates have thrived during the experience and the friendships and contacts made last a lifetime.”

The list of previous recipients is testament to the scholarship’s role in career development with graduates including Cambridge Stud’s Cameron Ring, this year’s Sunline Trust Management Scholarship recipient Hannah Airey, Anna Miles and Mark Forbes.

Those wishing to apply can send their cv and covering letter to nztba@nzthoroughbred.co.nz 

Candidates must be under 30 years of age and applications close 5pm Friday 14th October, for more information visit https://www.nzthoroughbred.co.nz/scholarships/ or https://irishnationalstud.ie/thoroughbred-breeding-management/ 

Inside barrier has positives for Thunderstruck

Even before Wednesday’s barrier draw, Michael Kent Jnr was keen to see I’m Thunderstruck settle closer than usual in this weekend’s Gr.1 Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield.

Coming up with the inside alley has only solidified the co-trainer’s desire to see that happen.

The five-year-old son of Shocking will start from the same barrier he won the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) from two starts ago in what shapes as a Cox Plate-defining race.

“We wanted to ride him a touch closer and he won the Makybe from barrier one,” said Kent, who trains in partnership with Mick Price.

“He’s a horse that can take a tight run and get himself out of trouble. It should be fine.”

I’m Thunderstruck will have last year’s runner-up Nonconformist to his right with short-priced favourite Anamoe to start from barrier three. Alligator Blood and Zaaki drew barriers five and seven respectively.

The latter two are part of the contingent progressing from the Underwood Stakes at Sandown on September 25, which also includes Mo’Unga (six) and Mr Brightside (four).

I’m Thunderstruck finished fourth in that 1800m Group One after settling towards the rear before working home in the fastest last 600m of the race – 33.63 seconds – to finish 2-3/4 lengths from winner Alligator Blood.

“He was a long way off them off a very slow tempo and it was mathematically impossible to pick them up last start against those very good horses,” Kent said.

“But he’s cleaned right up in the coat now and he’ll be somewhere near his top.

“We want to see him get the 2000 and be given every chance.”

I’m Thunderstruck will again be ridden by Mark Zahra at what will be the star jockey’s first meeting back in Australia since partnering Verry Elleegant in France last weekend.