With international travel back on the agenda after a COVID-19 enforced hiatus, this year’s Sunline Trust International Scholarship recipient will be heading offshore to learn from some of the best in the industry.

The 2023 recipient is 22-year-old Dorian Kos who will join the likes of Jamie Richards, Bruce Slade, Libby Bleakley, Bevan Smith and Michael Wallace as a graduate of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association-administered scholarship.

Born and raised in France, Kos moved to New Zealand with his family as a teenager. Kos has held a marketing role with New Zealand Bloodstock since completing his degree in Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland.

Kos, who was also seen bid spotting at the recent yearling sales, is looking forward to furthering his career in the thoroughbred industry through the opportunities provided by the scholarship.

“When I was about 12 or 13 and Dad got this first mare when we were in Pau, in France, my interest in thoroughbreds all started there,” Kos said.

“We were going to our neighbour’s place where the mare was staying nearly every day to help care for her and my interest grew from there.

“When I moved to New Zealand I did two yearling preps with Adrian Stanley at Woburn. I then went to university for three years and lost track of horses. I then thought it was a good idea to come back to the thoroughbred industry and got a job at New Zealand Bloodstock.”

Kos is set to depart for Coolmore, Ireland, later this month and will complete a three-month tenure there before placements at Goffs, with renowned bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever, at Weatherby’s, Ballydoyle as well as spending time in Hong Kong and Singapore.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association CEO Justine Sclater said they wanted to tailor this year’s scholarship to focus on the interests of the recipient.

“This year the Sunline Education Trust, which is myself, Shannon Taylor and Nick King, wanted to revisit the structure of the scholarship,” Sclater said.

“We really wanted to make sure the placements were specific to the recipient’s interests so we were putting them on the best pathway that could advance their career.

“As well as having international knowledge of the thoroughbred industry, Dorian’s education and practical experience made him an ideal candidate for the scholarship. We know he is going to make the most of every opportunity available and will be a real asset to our industry on his return and as he continues to develop his career.

“Shannon has been instrumental in organising the placements and we can’t thank Coolmore enough for not only their support this year, but each time we are looking to place a scholarship recipient.”

Kos, who is fluent in French, German and English, is thrilled to be the recipient of the scholarship and recognises the impact the opportunity will have on his career.

“I’m excited to get to Coolmore and Ballydoyle to see how they do things,” he said. “I have heard how impressive it is, the facilities and how they do everything. I’m looking forward to getting back to Europe and going there now I’m a bit older and can understand it better.

“I’m looking to get a lot of experience from this and to see what doors open. I’m very open to taking opportunities as they come, I don’t want to close my mind and focus on one job and miss out on something.

“For me it is obviously very cool and I was not expecting to get the scholarship. It is a real privilege and gives me the opportunity to get so much experience in a short amount of time.

“I am sure it is going to open so many doors for me and I’m looking forward to being able to use that experience when I get back to New Zealand.”