Miriam Drinnan, a determined twenty-year-old from Wahring in northern Victoria, has been awarded the prestigious Les Young Scholarship. This accolade, supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, positions her for significant opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry. Drinnan will join a cohort of elite professionals at The National Stud in the United Kingdom from January 2025, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Drinnan has expressed her excitement about the scholarship, stating, “I hadn’t even considered this as a possibility. I’ve grown up in this industry, but I’ve only been working on the racing side for just over a year.” Her passion for the industry is evident, as she looks forward to learning about various aspects, particularly in veterinary and medical fields, alongside breeding and management.
Currently serving as the second-in-charge to the day shift supervisor at Lindsay Park Racing in Euroa, Drinnan attributes her early responsibility in the workplace to shaping her ambitions. She aims to lead in her field, contribute to sustainability, and mentor future professionals. She acknowledges the support from her team at Lindsay Park and from Daniel Nevill of Hollylodge Thoroughbreds, who has provided her with invaluable practical experience.
Building a Future in Thoroughbreds
Drinnan’s upbringing heavily influenced her career aspirations. Raised in a family involved in both a Southdown sheep stud and Thoroughbred breeding, she has cultivated a deep passion for the industry. “I’m passionate about the wool industry, so I have been torn,” she admitted. “But you have to absolutely love what you do, and it’s the Thoroughbreds I dream about.” She recognizes the vast learning opportunities available, from racing to breeding, and is eager to explore these avenues.
Caitlin Smith, who manages the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, highlighted Drinnan’s potential. “Miriam is exactly the emerging, committed professional that Les Young saw as the future,” Smith noted. Young, a respected leader in the Thoroughbred industry, believed in investing in the next generation. Smith emphasized that the scholarship provides recipients with international exposure and access to essential skills that will influence their careers.
As the Les Young Scholarship enters its third year, its impact is becoming more pronounced. Smith elaborated, “As our scholarship alumni base grows, we’re developing a cohort who are going to shape the next chapter in the Thoroughbred industry.” This initiative supports retention in the industry while fostering collaboration among peers.
Hands-On Experience and Global Perspectives
At The National Stud in Newmarket, Drinnan will engage in a tailored program that merges theory and practice. She mentioned, “I spoke to the team at The National Stud recently, and I know there will be a lot to do on the breeding side of things—from foaling down mares to learning about matings.” This immersive experience will deepen her understanding of European Thoroughbred bloodlines, which significantly influence Australian breeding.
Drinnan is particularly interested in how European shuttle stallions affect Australian bloodlines. “Going back to foundational sire lines and bloodlines that our horses descend from is a great opportunity,” she explained. She is eager to compare the characteristics of long-distance horses with typical Australian Thoroughbreds, which often prioritize speed.
Following her 16-week experience in the United Kingdom, Drinnan plans to integrate her hands-on work with a Bachelor of Business (Agriculture). Her long-term goal is to give back to the industry that has provided her with so much. “I definitely would not have thought about an opportunity like this if it wasn’t for a scholarship,” she remarked. This scholarship not only enhances her knowledge and experience but also nurtures a network of future leaders committed to sustaining the Thoroughbred industry for generations to come.
