Miriam Drinnan, a determined twenty-year-old from Wahring in northern Victoria, has been awarded the prestigious Les Young Scholarship, significantly enhancing her ambitions in the Thoroughbred industry. Supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, this scholarship will enable her to gain invaluable experience at The National Stud in the United Kingdom starting in January 2025.
For Drinnan, this opportunity is both exciting and somewhat surreal. “I hadn’t even considered this as a possibility,” she reflected. “I’ve grown up in this industry, but I’ve only been working on the racing side for just over a year. The European racing industry felt a long way off.” She expressed eagerness to learn about various aspects of breeding, with a particular focus on veterinary and medical fields.
Building a Foundation for Future Leadership
Currently serving as the second-in-charge to the day shift supervisor at Lindsay Park Racing in Euroa, Drinnan credits her early responsibilities for shaping her aspirations to lead within the industry. “I want to contribute to its sustainability and repay the mentoring that has already been pivotal in my life,” she stated. She acknowledged the support from her team at Lindsay Park and from Daniel Nevill of Hollylodge Thoroughbreds, who provided her with hands-on experience preparing yearlings for sales and working with broodmares and foals.
Drinnan’s background is enriched by her family’s experience in both sheep and Thoroughbred breeding. “There’s so much to learn, from the racing side to breeding,” she explained. “You never stop learning.” Her passion for the wool industry has been a source of internal conflict, but she is resolute that her future lies in Thoroughbreds. “You have to absolutely love what you do, and it’s the Thoroughbreds I dream about.”
A Vision for the Future
Caitlin Smith, manager of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, emphasized that Drinnan embodies the qualities Les Young valued, stating, “Les understood the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.” Smith highlighted that the scholarship offers recipients international exposure and access to rich expertise crucial for their development.
As the Les Young Scholarship enters its third year, its recipients contribute to a vital vision for the Thoroughbred industry’s future. “This opportunity builds their capacity, provides them with a network of aligned peers, and supports retention across the industry,” Smith added. She expressed gratitude for The National Stud’s ongoing partnership, which ensures that emerging leaders like Drinnan receive top-tier training and mentorship.
At The National Stud, Drinnan will engage in a comprehensive program tailored to her interests, including practical experiences in breeding, foaling, and matings. She is particularly keen to learn about the nuances of European Thoroughbred bloodlines and their relevance to the Australian industry. “Going back to foundational sire lines is a great opportunity,” she noted, highlighting the differences between European and Australian Thoroughbreds.
After her sixteen-week program in the UK, Drinnan plans to combine her hands-on experience with a Bachelor of Business (Agriculture), aiming to give back to an industry that has significantly shaped her life. “I definitely would not have thought about an opportunity like this if it wasn’t for a scholarship,” she concluded. “This is taking people with a keen interest in the industry and giving them the education, experience, and network to become leaders who will keep it thriving for the next generation.”
