Since the inception of Fast Track in 2018, we have welcomed a diverse cohort of graduates from various backgrounds, including individuals with experience as baristas, retail assistants, school leavers, veterans, and racing stable workers.
We take great pride in the commitment and hard work exhibited by each graduate throughout the program, and as they develop their careers within the industry, we remain open to offering any advice, assistance, or guidance. With a vast majority of students choosing to either remain on the farm or continue their education we have a whole range of exceptional graduates.
Want to know where Fast Track could take you? Check out where its already led some of our graduates:
Lachie was part of the 2018 Fast Track intake, during which he completed his placement at Yarraman Park Stud. Following this, Lachie furthered his education, earning the 2020 Nolan Scholarship offered to one Fast Track student each year. This enabled him to complete a six-month course at the Irish National Stud.
Building on this accomplishment, he pursued the highly prestigious Godolphin Flying Start Course, a comprehensive program that took him across the globe to study under industry leaders.
Since completing the Flying Start program Lachie has joined the Stallion Nominations department at Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley.
Lachie also played a major role in the creation of Next Crop which is a young breeders' forum.
Alyssa was part of the 2018 Fast Track intake, during which she completed her placement at Kitchwin Hills Stud. Because of her dedication and great work ethic, Alyssa took on a management role, continuing her employment with the farm.
She was seen as an upcoming talent within the industry, earning her a nomination and runner-up in the 2019 and 2020 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards Newcomer Category.
After being awarded the 2020 Nolan Scholarship she completed the six-month course at the Irish National Stud in 2021.
Today, Alyssa is based in Queensland working at a vet clinic as a vet nurse with a special interest in the equine department. She is also a regular on the sales circuit each season.
Before graduating from the 2020 Fast Track intake where he completed his placement at Kitchwin Hills Stud. Tom was living in Sandringham as an AFL umpire and local cricket coach with no horse experience apart from enjoying watching the races on Saturdays.
Remaining at the farm for a further two seasons post-graduation, Tom and partner Celeste Kruger travelled to Europe to experience the thoroughbred breeding industry in the Northern Hemisphere where they worked at Ballylinch Stud, John O’Connors private farm. They attended the Newmarket and Goffs sales doing everything from yearling and weanling sales preparations to working with the mares and foals.
Today, both Tom and Celeste are working at North Farm in the Hunter Valley.
Abi described herself as “horse obsessed” from a young age, actively participating in the equestrian scene across various disciplines. As a 2021 Fast Track graduate, she conducted her placement at Cornerstone Stud in South Australia.
Currently, Abi has relocated to the Hunter Valley, where she is employed at the Golphin branch, Darley Stallions. Her daily responsibilities include working with superstar horses such as Exceed and Excel and Anamoe. In a notable achievement this year, she proudly paraded Exceed and Excel at the 2023 Hunter Valley Stallion Parade, captivating a significant crowd.
Traditionally, stallion handlers have been predominantly male, but it’s wonderful to see Abi not letting that get in her way.
As an electrician by trade, Jarrod entered the Fast Track program in 2021 without having ever put a halter on a horse. His passion for the thoroughbred industry ignited from avidly following racing and participating in a couple of syndications over the years.
After completing the Fast Track program, Jarrod continued his journey at Widden Stud in the Widden Valley. His dedication and progress were further recognized when he was chosen as the 2022 Nolan Scholarship recipient. This accolade granted him the opportunity to travel to Ireland for the INS course, following which he returned to Widden for the remainder of the season.
Today you can find Jarrod freelancing on the sales circuit with Widden Stud.
Originally from Melbourne, Tess was a graduate of the 2021 Fast Track intake, with the assistance of Agrifutres she relocated to the Hunter Valley for her work placement with Godolphin at the Woodlands property.
Following on from Fast Track she earned the 2021 Nolan Scholarship allowing her to successfully complete a comprehensive six-month course at the Irish National Stud. Upon her return to the Hunter Valley, Tess assumed additional responsibilities within the broodmare operations.
Beyond her contributions in the breeding sector, Tess plays a pivotal role in the leadership team of Next Crop, serving as one of the committee members.
Jamie is a 2022 Fast Track graduate who conducted his placement at Yarraman Park Stud. Demonstrating his commitment to growth and a passion for work, he continued his journey at the farm for a second season after graduation.
Jamie's dedication and passion for learning led him to apply for the 2023 Nolan Scholarship, an opportunity that has now taken him to complete the 20224 Irish National Stud Course.
In 2022, Ivy was sponsored by Agri Futures, enabling her to undertake the Fast Track program within her home state of South Australia. The sponsorship included accommodations and flights, for the three separate intensive learning blocks held in the Hunter Valley.
Ivy entered the Fast Track program with a passion for horses but no prior thoroughbred experience. Since then she has showcased the remarkable outcomes achievable through hard work and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Since graduating, Ivy has advanced to the role of yearling manager at Cornerstone Stud, rapidly developing her professional journey within the thoroughbred industry.
