Since 2008, Steriline Racing and ARMA have proudly offered one of the most unique professional development opportunities in the Australian racing industry. A scholarship trip to the world-renowned Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Awarded annually at the ARMA Conference, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives Australian racecourse professionals the chance to visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s internationally acclaimed facilities, including Sha Tin Racecourse, Happy Valley Racecourse and the Conghua Training Facility and Racecourse.
More than just a trip, this scholarship is an investment in the future of Australian racing. Recipients return with invaluable industry knowledge, fresh ideas and lasting professional connections, going on to become some of the most respected leaders in the industry.
Liam O’Keeffe received the scholarship in 2011 as Warrnambool Racecourse Manager and credits the experience as a turning point in his career, going on to obtain the position as Head of Racecourse at Victoria Racing Club.
Nevesh Ramdhani, now Head of Racing and Wagering at the Australian Turf Club, reflected that the scholarship gave him “a greater depth of context and understanding” of his role.
More recently, Michael Wood, who received the scholarship in 2016 as Assistant Racecourse Manager has since risen to General Manager of Racecourses and Stables Operations at the Australian Turf Club.
Over nearly two decades, Steriline has been honored to watch scholarship recipients grow and thrive long after their experience.
2008 Winner
Adam Ayre – Thoroughbred Park, Racecourse Facilities Manager
“I was at a crossroads before being selected to represent ARMA in Hong Kong and the collective experience was life changing and pivotal in my move to Canberra Racing Club. The experience has been hugely significant to my development as a Racecourse Manager.”
2009 Winner
Sean Bridges – Brisbane Racing Club, Racecourse Manager (Previously)
“The most significant achievement since winning the scholarship has been becoming Racecourse Manager at Eagle Farm Racecourse, in which I have overseen a 10-million-dollar track reconstruction and am involved with the implementation of our Master Plan.”
2010 Winner
Rebecca Dyon – Tatura & Sheapparton Racing Club, Racecourse Manager (Previously)
“I was the first racecourse turf apprentice to win Apprentice of the Year 2 out of 3 years. Managing the track at the Tatura and Shepparton Racing Club I made a lot of changes to the track, including the type of grass we used which was based on the knowledge I gained from the scholarship.”
2011 Winner
Liam O’Keeffe – Victoria Racing Club, Head of Racecourse
“My most significant professional achievement since the scholarship would be obtaining a Managerial Role at Victoria Racing Club.”
2012 Winner
Travis Stevens – Moonee Valley Racing Club, Qualified Sports Turf Manager
“Since the scholarship I have completed my diploma in sports turf management. I am currently involved in numerous trial work on course, trialing new pasture rye grasses and sports turf rye grasses for racing.”
2013 Winner
Nevesh Ramdhani – Australia Turf Club, Head of Racing and Wagering
“The Steriline Scholarship has allowed me to gain a greater depth of context and understanding of my job. I highly recommend applying for the scholarship because nobody is ever too old or too smart to learn something.”
2014 Winner
Greg Horne – Larkhill Racecourse, Curator Manager (Previously)
“Since the scholarship I was the recipient of the Pegasus award and have been included in the Curator Assistance Program at Racing and Wagering WA, this involves visiting country clubs and assisting them with track work.”
2015 Winner
Bryce Mildon – Hawkes Bay Racing, Manager Operations and Track Development
“Witnessing the systems that the managers in Asia have in place gave me the motivation I needed to create and maintain good systems of my own to help keep the day-to-day operations at my track running smoothly.”
2016 Winner
Michael Wood – Australian Turf Club, General Manager Racecourses and Stable Operations
“The Steriline scholarship was an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity, that has helped broaden my knowledge and allowed me to build great working relationships with some of the best Racecourse Managers in the world.”
2017 Winner
Kane McMartin – Melbourne Racing Club (Previously)
“My experience at Singapore Turf Club was rewarding and educational on many levels. Educating yourself has no boundaries, you can never not learn something that could change your future and the club you work for.”
2018 Winner
Tony Salisbury – Moonee Valley Racing Club, Track Foreman
“This experience was made more enjoyable by the staff who were friendly, informative and displayed a great deal of pride in what they have achieved. The level of knowledge is exceptional, and the willingness to share more so.”
2019 Winner
Chris Hurley – Brisbane Racing Club, Track Foreman
“The trip for me was a complete eye opener. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with some very passionate people from the industry and bring back some ideas to use back home.”
2020-2022 the scholarship was not conducted due to travel restrictions during COVID-19.
2023 Winner
Mitchell Black – Brisbane Racing Club, Track Foreman
“It is a great opportunity for young and upcoming racetrack managers in Australia and gives you such a great insight into the world-class facilities on offer.”
2024 Winner
Jake Carlaw – Australian Turf Club, Assistant Racecourse Manager
“As I am relatively new to management, it was good to see all the planning and preparation that the management teams do at the racecourses and training centres – this is where I can have some real development back home.”
2025 Winner
Digby Nuthall – Hawkesbury Race Club, Racecourse Manager
“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. It is a no brainer to apply.”
2026 Winner
Scott Mackinnon – Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Manager
Scott has been awarded the 2026 Scholarship award, and we can’t wait to see his scholarship trip take place soon. Stay tuned to hear from Scott about his experience to the Hong Kong Jockey Club.