In this episode of The Thoroughbred Network, I sit down with Vicky Leonard to talk about National Thoroughbred Week, a new pilot program running across Australia and New Zealand from 20–24 November 2025.

Modelled on the highly successful UK National Racehorse Week and NZ Open Farms Day, National Thoroughbred Week is designed as a transparent, community-first initiative that gives everyone a rare backstage pass into the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
With open days held at participating farms, stables and venues across both countries, the week invites the public to see firsthand how Thoroughbred horses are raised, trained, cared for, and transitioned into life after racing.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Why National Thoroughbred Week was created
• How the pilot program works across Australia and New Zealand
• What visitors can expect at participating venues
• How this initiative builds trust, transparency and connection
• Why opening the gates matters for the future of the Thoroughbred
• How to register for free and take part in the week

📅 Event dates: 20–24 November 2025
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend
📍 Where: Venues across Australia and New Zealand
🔗 Register: Visit the “Find An Event” page at https://thoroughbredweek.com.au

For more information, FAQs and event details:
https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/frequently-asked-questions/

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For this episode, we traveled to 'The valley of the racehorse', known as Lambourn. It's situated in southern England and is home to over 1500 racehorses and our podcast guest Josh Apiafi.

Josh is well known in the horse racing industry. He has over 30 extensive years of experience and has held a variety of roles. He is currently a presenter at Sky Sports Racing and has recently launched a new initiative; Racing Pathways.

His drive for diversity and inclusion within the industry is fierce. His enthusiasm to encourage the younger generation to experience a wider range of career opportunities within the industry is infectious. I loved discussing a full range of topics with Josh and we hope you enjoy listening to one of our industry's great minds. 

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This week we sit down with Group 1 winning jockey Rachel King.

Rachel started her career in the saddle as an amateur riding point to points in the UK and Ireland. She knew quickly that she wanted more and took out her apprenticeship on the flat. However, it wasn't the right time or place so she paused her riding career while heading to Australia for a working holiday.

Fast forward a few years and she is now the first female to ride a Sydney Cup, a Group 1 winning jockey with supporters such as Gai Waterhouse, Godolphin, and Mark Newnham. If Rachel's story gives you anything, it's the will to never to give up.  

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This week I am joined by Inglis Marketing Executive Jemma Cutting.  Jemma has always loved horses but since watching the movie Pharlap at the age of 12,  Jemma became fascinated with horse racing.  The stories, the race colours, and the sporting greats hugely inspired Jemma to pursue a career within the thoroughbred industry. Jemma didn't come from a racing family and all her knowledge was researched through books, race replays and life experience the field. I hope you loved Jemma's as much as I did.        

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For our second episode on No Barriers Sky Racing's Kiersten Duke joined us to talk about her career so far. Kiersten didn't grow up in an equestrian family but for as long as she can remember she has always loved horses. Shortly after leaving school Kiersten completed both the British Racing School and National Stud course before working for the likes of John Berry and Chris Waller. Fast forward to 2022 Kiersten is now a presenter for Sky Racing. 

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I loved learning about the Godolphin Lifetime Care Program. This episode was recorded in December and I was joined by Tayla Gilmore and Olivia Hill from Godolphin. We discuss the importance of rehoming their retirees, the adoption process, and how you can register your interest in a  Godolphin thoroughbred who is currently racing. The health, wellbeing, and long-term care of Godolphin horses is of the upmost importance to them. I hope you enjoy hearing all about the Lifetime Care Program and the positive impact Godolphin has in our industry.   

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Thrilled to have Alix Turpin as our first guest on our 'No Barriers' segment. Alix first fell in love with horses through showjumping and now finds herself in one of Sydney's most progressive stables. From PR & Marketing in London to a tech company in Sydney to Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley. Alix has been able to combine both her love for horses and education to secure a role in the racing industry. 

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I’m delighted to announce our new segment ‘No Barriers’ which is an addition to the Thoroughbred Network Podcast. 

No Barriers is where we concentrate on career pathways into our industry. We talk about real roles, hear real stories with real people.

No pathway is the same in the thoroughbred industry and I’m excited to celebrate this.  

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We catch up with multiple Group 1 winning trainer Annabel Neasham. Annabel was a keen eventer competing at 2-star level before her racing interests took hold. She followed her instincts and traveled to Australia to work for leading trainers Gai Waterhouse and Ciaron Maher. She now finds herself a leading trainer in one of the toughest jurisdictions Sydney has to offer. Her first runner was a winner and she trained her first Group 1 winner within her first nine months of training. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing how it started and I'm looking forward to her continued success.   

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We are delighted to be back for a second season! The pandemic affected so many of us and we faced our own challenges with only being able to produce three episodes of the podcast before the restrictions made it impossible. Now that we have opened up we are back on the road catching with so many great personalities and hearing their stories. Thanks for the support in our quiet time and we hope you enjoy our new content. 

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