Rebecca Donovan has been announced as the latest recipient of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s Sunline International Management Scholarship.

Donovan grew up in the far north, where her parents bred Clydesdales, and didn’t have any experience in the thoroughbred industry until four years ago when she moved to Cambridge with her family following completing a Bachelor of Education.

She applied for a foal watch position at Mapperley Stud, which was the catalyst for a career with thoroughbreds.

“I had never been to the races, never been to a stud farm, or in a racing stable,” Donovan said. “I loved working with the foals at home, so I applied and went to Mapperley and loved it.

“They offered me a job on the yearling team and then a full-time job and I haven’t looked back. I have been quietly working my way up to take on a possible management position.

“My passion is in foaling and broodmares and I am looking forward to see how this side of the industry is dealt with in the Northern Hemisphere.”

Following her time at Mapperley, Donovan worked at Westbury Stud learning all aspects of stud work and is currently employed at Wentwood Grange, whose yearling manager Brad Molander and the Hawkins family encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.

“When I first started in the industry I was given a piece of advice that I have followed and that was to take every opportunity and go for it,” she said.

“If someone asks if you want to try a new avenue give it a go and experience as much as you can. The scholarship is a phenomenal opportunity as I am at the point where I am not sure where I fit in the industry.

“I couldn’t quite believe it when I was told I had won it.

“I am extremely thankful for this career and life-changing opportunity. I am so excited to see what this trip brings and the knowledge and development I can bring back home with me.

“I see the scholarship as a platform from where I can gain as many skills as possible and that will help me grow into a leadership position. After all it has such a wide range of alumnae that have stepped out and achieved in the industry.”

Donovan will leave in mid-February on 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 in Shadwell Stud (England) and Coolmore Stud (Ireland).

She will also spend time at Goff’s, the premier bloodstock sales company in Ireland, and Weatherbys in Newmarket, home to the General Stud Book and the United Kingdom’s racing services.

Donovan is looking forward to the international experience before returning back to New Zealand where she hopes she can put her education degree to use within the industry.

“I can see myself fostering the next generation of young people coming into the industry and showing where their future lies,” she said.

“Kind of help them grow the passion the way the people I have worked alongside have done for me. I have been really lucky I have had that experience and can’t wait to see where the scholarship takes me.”