
As the warm summer breeze has arrived and the exciting buzz of the yearling sales is upon us, we look back on a vibrant and productive season here at Silverdale Academy. The foaling season has officially concluded, and we are thrilled to see the next generation of elite equine athletes beginning their journey toward greatness on the racetrack. These promising young stars represent the dedication and skill of breeders, horsemen, and horsewomen across the industry, and we are proud to be part of their story.
With spring racing concluded attention shifts to sales season and Summer Racing, where the best and brightest shine. This transition showcases the remarkable evolution of the horse industry—from breeding and foaling to education, racing, and, ultimately, off-the-track retirement.
The horse industry is a constantly evolving ecosystem. From the first stages of selecting breeding stock to the incredible science and care involved in foaling, every step builds toward excellence. Once these young horses begin their education, their potential is nurtured and refined. Racing showcases their athleticism and spirit, but the journey doesn’t end there. Off-the-track retirement programs now offer former racehorses opportunities to thrive in second careers, highlighting the industry’s growing focus on sustainability and animal welfare.
SPRING INTERN PROGRAM SUCCESS
The Spring Program highlights the importance of exposing young professionals to the full spectrum of the equine world, equipping them to excel and innovate in their future careers.
The Silverdale Academy proudly concluded our Spring Intern Program, celebrating the success of 12 talented graduates. These future industry leaders gained invaluable hands-on experience and inspiration from an array of industry professionals:
Mitch Beer shared insights into the daily life of a trainer and the dedication it takes to succeed.
Bec Stepetz, representing Annabel Neasham Racing, spoke passionately about teamwork and the exciting challenges of managing elite stables.
Harrison Edwards from the Australian Turf Club delivered an inspiring talk on career opportunities within the broader racing industry.
Ciaron Maher Racing, Bong Bong Farm – An immersive morning of hands-on experience working in a training stable.
David Anderson & Steve Keene Kembla Grange Racecourse – Two of our biggest supporters, David and Steven, provide us full access to Kembla Grange Race Track. Tours to jockeys’ rooms and learning all about careers working at a racecourse.
During our visit to CMR’s Bong Bong Farm, Stable Manager Jason Ryan had everything planned, including a tour, facilities talk, careers chats, and horses for interns to handle and groom. Nothing bothers the team, and they have an innate passion for assisting in training people and getting them into the industry.
Two of our past Silverdale Academy graduates are now loyal employees at CMR. Luka Toogood worked with Jason throughout the tour. Having graduated from The Silverdale Academy in November 2022, Luka has just moved from CMR Warwick Farm to Bong Bong Farm. We were blown away by how much he has advanced. Luka came to us still at school, a little shy but passionate about the industry. He was confident and communicated with our cohort with such clarity and professionalism. He loves the job!
We stopped by another barn to have a career chat with Hayley De Graaf, who graduated from The Silverdale Academy in November 2023. Hayley was still at school this time last year. Again, she demonstrated confidence and professionalism – she loves the job! Read more about Hayley’s journey in our featured success stories below.
The Silverdale Intern Program speaks for itself – here are two young people, Luka and Hayley, now thriving in their employment at CMR Bong Bong Farm. They work alongside one of our May graduates, Finlay, who works for CMR at Bobs Farm.
SILVERDALE SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM
Our Summer Intern Program is now underway, with students halfway through their theory. We look forward to our interns’ practical horse-handling assessment work, which will be held in February during the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale at Warwick Farm. This unique program immerses participants in the fast-paced world of sales, offering them a firsthand look at the auction process and a deeper understanding of the commercial side of the industry.
Our interns will gain hands-on experience, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in such a dynamic environment.
The Silverdale Academy is now taking registrations of interest for the Autumn program commencing March 2025.
Contact linda.molloy@tafensw.edu.au or visit our website: https://silverdalefarm.com.au/silverdale-academy/
SILVERDALE ACADEMY SUCCESS STORIES
The highlight of the summer season is Sky Racing’s Thoroughbreds Are Go, which featured Jemma Still with another Silverdale Academy Success Story.
Jemma Still completed our Warwick Farm ATC program earlier in the year. After successfully graduating from the Silverdale Academy Intern Program, she commenced a career with Caves Racing at Warwick Farm.
Caroline Searcy covered a heartwarming story on the Silverdale Academy and Jemma Still’s experience in Sky Racing’s Thoroughbreds are Go EP10.
SILVERDALE ACADEMY SUCCESS STORIES
One of our recent graduates shared an inspiring milestone, highlighting the journey from their Silverdale Academy internship to an exciting debut at the races:
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help and support with my TAFE studies and the experience gained during the Silverdale Internship. It led me to my first-ever time at the races and strapping for the first time. Without the Internship and the encouragement from everyone at TAFE and Silverdale, I wouldn’t have made it to Royal Randwick today to strap for the first time. The horse, Piggy Back, ran a great race and finished 5th!”
Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Silverdale Academy is committed to future-proofing the equine industry by fostering education, innovation, and passion. We thank our community of supporters, partners, and industry professionals who make these programs possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for horses and humans in this incredible industry.
CAREER INSPIRATION – BLOODSTOCK AGENT
What is the process of purchasing a yearling? Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock shares some of his insight into what purchasers of yearlings look for.
Boomer is another big supporter of the Silverdale Academy Intern programs. He always gives up his time to provide an inspiring career chat to our graduates. It opens up another career avenue that interns have never been exposed to or knew about in analysing pedigrees and assessing the value of a Thoroughbred being offered for sale.
Did you know? Craig started out as a talented Cricket Player and now is one of the top Bloodstock Agents. Craig will be once again on hand to inspire our next cohort of interns in February during the Inglis Sales.
If you visit the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in February, see if you can pick up on some of Boomer’s eye for detail.
PARTNER WITH US
Would you like to partner with the Silverdale Academy?
If you would like to get involved with supporting the Silverdale Academy in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Without the support of industry, we would not be making the impact we are in developing our next generation and filling the employment gap.
Please don’t hesitate to connect with us.
DID YOU KNOW?
A two-year-old thoroughbred is comparable to an 18-year-old human. They are mature enough to begin structured athletic training. Scientific studies show that early, carefully managed racing helps strengthen their bones, improve resilience, and set them up for longer, healthier careers. In fact, there’s no data to suggest early racing causes harm when done responsibly. Instead, it provides young horses with a solid foundation for future success.
Coming Up!
August Leadership Program
Dates TBC
Silverdale Farm and Warwick Farm Racecourse
Taking Expressions of interest.
Autumn Program
March to May 2025
Express your interest to register.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
Various courses throughout the year.
Contact us to coordinate in partnership with RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships).
*Dates subject to change