An Experience to Remember for Digby Nuthall

Last year at the annual Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) Conference, Steriline Racing Managing Director, John Fargher and Business Manager, Judy Graetz were delighted to present the 2025 Scholarship winner to Digby Nuthall from Hawkesbury Race Club.

John Fargher congratulating Digby Nuthall at the 2025 ARMA Conference.

Fast forward to now, Digby has recently completed his scholarship trip to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Sha Tin Racecourse, Happy Valley Racecourse and Conghua Racecourse and Training Facility. We were super excited to hear about his experience and ask him a few questions… let’s hear from Digby about his extravagant experience.

What were the key highlights from your trip?

“The two biggest highlights for myself were getting the opportunity to see both Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior both race, and win on the same day. The atmosphere on track was incredible and you could really see the passion for racing from the people in Hong Kong.”

“The second highlight of the trip was definitely Conghua. Being able to see how they have constructed the facility and how it is run was truly incredibly. The detail and thought put into every component of the complex was extraordinary and nothing like we have here in Australia.”

Any new knowledge or fresh perspectives you have brought back with you?

“Their attention to detail is second to none, for me it was impressive to see the resources they invest into leaving no stone unturned for trainers, stakeholders and patrons. All bases are covered 100% of the time. Not all of this was applicable to my situation, although it got me thinking about the areas where more attention to detail could be applied and how it would benefit myself, my team and the club in the long term.”

“It gave me a fresh perspective towards work.”

Digby at The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Conghua Racecourse.

Were there any practices or procedures at the Hong Kong Jockey Club that stood out, and could you see yourself implementing any of these in your career?

“How they apply data towards management of their tracks really stood out to me. Every single thing is recorded. When walking and rating their tracks they take data using a penetrometer, moisture probe, going stick, clegg hammer and shear vane. This gives them a wide range of results in which they can base their processes off going forward, but also see if they are meeting their desired numbers.  All their processes are data driven and backed by numbers. The transparency to the punter is also impressive and encourages turnover dramatically, something we as racecourse managers could do better in Australia.”

Digby on site with The Hong Kong Jockey Club staff.

“Not only was data a pivotal part of their turf tracks but also their training tracks, with clegg hammer readings released daily to trainers to make trainers aware of firmness of the dirt tracks.”

“Recording every detail is great but knowing how to apply it in practice is different again, being able to pick their brains in that regard was super interesting and opened my eyes to how it can be applied in my workplace. I believe these tools and how data can be used towards track management will improve my practices.”

How do you believe this scholarship benefits both your own career and the racing industry?

“The scholarship is incredibly beneficial especially for a young racecourse manager like myself. It has given me insight into racing within the number one jurisdiction in the world; this has allowed me to learn important skills and form ideas on how I can apply these into my workplace. Although many places may not have the same level of resources as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it has allowed me to see where I can improve more efficiently.”

“For me personally, it helped re -ignite my passion for my work and the industry even more.”

Digby at Sha Tin’s Wednesday night races in front of the Steriline Platinum Model Starting Gate.

“Being exposed to the Hong Kong Jockey Club practices can only benefit the racing industry as a whole; their organisation is the pinnacle, whether it be WHS standards or the transparency they have with trainers and punters alike. Overtime, the more exposure we receive, the more we will see it reflected on our shores and throughout our race clubs here in Australia.”

“Staff from the Hong Kong Jockey Club also get an opportunity to ask questions and hear about how and what practices are applied in Australia and how these vary from track to track.”

“The relationships you form over there are incredibly beneficial. Having like-minded people working in another country gives you a great opportunity to brainstorm and ask for advice. I was fortunate to make some strong friendships over there in only a short time and everyone there was so accommodating and generous with their time, especially considering the busy period they were in.”

Digby enjoying his final dinner with staff from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Steriline is incredibly proud of this scholarship and has watched many recipients flourish in the racing industry over the past 18 years. We can’t wait to see Digby thrive as he returns to home turf.