Cover image courtesy of Inglis
Whilst he grew up in a family with a love of horses - his family on a hobby scale owning a couple of broodmares on a farm in Chinchilla - Jim Clarke did not have an automatic entry into the thoroughbred world, though working in it was something he desired from his teenage years.
To this end he gained experience via working at stables whilst studying at university, moving onto studs and undertaking the Godolphin Flying Start program which saw him gain experience overseas.
Making good contacts, he spent a couple of years as Bjorn Baker's racing manager before heading to the UK to work in a bloodstock management role for Godolphin.
Now at the realm of his own agency, he is a proud member of the FBAA and excited to be part of a concept that encourages newcomers to this world to take an inside look.
Jim Clarke, Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) | Image courtesy of Inglis
“We want to create an education pathway into the career of a bloodstock agent,” he said, looking forward to seeing the final list of applications when they close on Friday, March 29.
“We have heard from people with a variety of experiences within horse racing - and from different age groups. We have had people who have been working in other areas of the industry for years and others who are fresh on the scene such as one from the finance sector who has been spending his spare time learning from a trainer.”
“We have had people who have been working in other areas of the industry for years and others who are fresh on the scene such as one from the finance sector who has been spending his spare time learning from a trainer.” - Jim Clarke
It is anticipated that the majority of applicants will be those already working in racing - at studs and stables and with that in mind the timing of the mentorship program is such that it is not the busiest time of year for those working in those spheres.
There are a couple of aspects to the program - time spent in the office, learning about the day to day running of a bloodstock agency and experiencing first-hand what happens behind the scenes.
And then there is the on the ground experience, the chosen applicate to spend time shadowing agents at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale and the Inglis Great Southern Sale.
The experience - which is going to look great on any thoroughbred CV - takes place over two months from Saturday, June 1 until Wednesday, July 31 with the cost of flights and accommodation to the sales to be covered by the FBAA.
Inspections at Magic Millions' Gold Coast sales complex | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
There is much to be learned with the variety of those who are members of the FBAA having extensive knowledge of type, pedigree, performance and the market forces which drive the thoroughbred industry.
“We envisage the mentorship will allow for participants to spend time with different agents, as we work in different areas and have different niches,” Clarke said.
The concept is an extension of what we have seen at yearling sales in recent times - groups from racing education courses heading out to listen to speakers; such as was seen at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale where Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria's James O'Brien was amongst those taking time out for young enthusiasts, and at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale when the Silverdale Academy intake spent time experiencing a live auction.
But the one-on-one experience is likely to be more meaningful and whilst there have always been mentors in our sport - the likes of George Smith always happy to help out someone keen to learn - the establishing of an official mentorship program is a terrific concept.
“We have had feedback that there is a lot of interest out there,” said Craig Rounsefell, President of the FBAA, “but there has never been a formal pathway for those interested in the agency sphere. So this is a call to action!”
“... there has never been a formal pathway for those interested in the agency sphere. So this (program) is a call to action!” - Craig Rounsefell
The FBAA hope to see females amongst the applications, noting that Satomi Oka not too long ago became the first of her gender on the current FBAA.
Satomi Oka, the inaugural female member to join the current FBAA | Image courtesy of Inglis
Not only will the successful applicant enjoy two months of mentorship, but it will be a time to make valuable contacts with FBAA members being made available not only in person at the sales and in the office but via online and telephone meetings.
The FBAA will measure the success of the inaugural program by asking the mentee/s to submit a written assignment on completion of their time; Clarke and Rounsefell noting that it will be interesting to see just what they have learned and what they gained from the experience.
There are a few requirements for applicants, namely two years of practical hands-on horsemanship experience in the racing world, an ambition to pursue a career in the bloodstock industry, the ability to conduct research and computer proficiency. This is however a guide, nothing set in stone if a dazzling applicant happens to have other skill sets.
