Marcus Oldham College is pleased to announce a new partnership with Racing Victoria (RV), via its Off The Track (OTT) program.
The one-year deal, which has an option to be extended to 2023, will help increase opportunities for new talent entering the thoroughbred racing industry via Marcus Oldham’s Diploma of Equine Management Program.
As part of the partnership, RV will provide students with insight into its Equine Welfare Strategic Plan and the work it is undertaking to deliver better welfare outcomes for all Victorian thoroughbred racehorses.
Students will also gain further access to industry leaders to learn more about good welfare practices across all aspects of the sport – ensuring equine welfare is at the forefront of their decision-making.
In addition, RV will provide students with a greater understanding of its post-racing efforts, and the programs that support the successful transition of retired racehorses to second careers.
This will include RV Acknowledged Retrainers participating in clinics run by Marcus Oldham to teach students about their work to re-educate and rehome thoroughbreds following their time in the racing industry.
The partnership will also provide RV with the opportunity to engage Marcus Oldham’s alumni network to expand awareness of its equine welfare projects, as well as co-branding and promotional opportunities at events and clinics.
The partnership between RV and Marcus Oldham will ensure graduates of the Diploma grow a deeper understanding and commitment to welfare in all aspects of their future careers, whether on a breeding barn, in the equestrian ring, or on the race track.
Attributable Quotes:
RV General Manager, Equine Welfare – Jennifer Hughes:
“RV has enjoyed an informal relationship with Marcus Oldham for many years, and we are pleased to be able to expand this through a formal partnership in 2021 with a greater focus on equine welfare.
“Marcus Oldham is the preeminent starting point for anyone looking to gain entry into the racing industry, and with an exceptional alumni including trainer Henry Dwyer, I expect to see many course graduates excelling in their chosen fields within the thoroughbred industry.
“These sponsorships support the wider work we are undergoing as part of our strategic plan, including a statewide rehoming network which supports retired thoroughbreds transitioning into second careers and an expanded Off The Track program to create more career opportunities for thoroughbreds who have retired from racing.”
Attributable Quotes – Marcus Oldham Director of Equine Management, Emma Morel:
“Marcus Oldham is thrilled to be working with RV and their Off The Track team to provide our students with a greater understanding of the efforts being undertaken to support better welfare outcomes for thoroughbreds at all stages of their lives.
“As educators of the next generation of industry professionals we see this relationship as a natural collaboration which will inspire our students and, most importantly, positively impact the lives of off-the-track horses.”
About the Off the Track Program:
The Off The Track program aims to facilitate the placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses in second careers by promoting the network of Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainers across the state, driving demand for the breed as performance and pleasure horses and educating the community about the various life after racing options, versatility of use, and the appropriate care and re-training of the thoroughbred.
To learn about the OTT Program please click here and here to visit the OTT Community website.
About the Diploma of Equine Management Program:
The Diploma of Equine Management aims to equip students with the practical husbandry and business skills necessary for a successful career in their chosen equine field.
The intensive one-year Diploma of Equine Management is structured equally into three broad areas: practical and horse management skills, equine science and business management.
For full course details, please click here.
Current Diploma of Equine Management Student, Emma Hobbs, with her OTT horses Storkey and Bull Rock