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The success of previous scholarship winners was one of the things that inspired Josh Herd the 2025 Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship winner to apply for the scholarship.
“I have seen how successful some of the past recipients have been in the industry and thought it would be a pretty good pathway forward,” said Manawatu-based Herd.
“I have worked with Te Akau Racing’s Sam Bergerson and know what the scholarship has done for him, and so many others.”
“Just to be able to go overseas and learn different ways of doing things and explore the opportunities the scholarship can offer is pretty exciting.”
The Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship originally established by the Auckland Branch of the NZTBA and now administered by the Sunline Educational Trust offers the successful candidate an all-expenses paid, bonded trip of 30 weeks, to experience the operational infrastructure, systems and management of the world's best in the thoroughbred industry.
You could say Herd was destined to be in the industry as the son of leading Central Districts trainer Lisa Latta and former top rider Bruce Herd. Growing up he spent a lot of time around the stables learning the everyday care of horses and the general duties of a stable hand.
While at university he took on the communications role for the stable and is currently back working for his mother in her Awapuni stables taking on more of the programming and planning duties as well.
He has always aspired to work in the industry, and while studying for a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in accounting at Otago University, worked with the yearling team at Haunui Farm.
He has also worked at Bhima Thoroughbreds in New South Wales and for Riversley Park leading at the Ready To Run sales.
Leading duties for Bhima Thoroughbreds at Gold Coast Magic Millions and the Sydney Classic sales, along with the Karaka sales working for Haunui Farm will see Herd busy next month before he embarks on the scholarship.
The first port of call will be Coolmore Stud in Ireland where he will be immersed in all the facets of the stud and gain some exposure to the famous Ballydoyle Stables. From there he will move to the United Kingdom where he will shadow bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever, before spending time at Weatherby’s and Goffs.
That time is followed by a stint in Hong Kong, the place Herd is most looking forward to being in.
“Hong Kong is the toughest racing jurisdiction in the world,” he enthused, “I am really looking forward to spending time there.
“But really I am basically looking forward to getting overseas to meet some pretty amazing people and to broaden my skills.”
The last port of call is in Australia working with Vicky Leonard and her Kick Collective team.
Herd admits to being quite keen to eventually end up as a trainer and believes then maybe the Bachelor of Commerce will be of some use.
“At least I will be able to do my own accounts, “he quipped.
