2025 Steriline Racing & ARMA Scholarship

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At the 2025 ARMA Awards Dinner at Flemington, Digby Nuthall from Hawkesbury Race Club was announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Steriline Racing Award. This recognition not only celebrates Digby’s dedication and potential as a future racecourse leader but also secures him a career-defining opportunity as the recipient of the Steriline Racing & ARMA Scholarship.

Since its inception in 2008, the scholarship has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of emerging racecourse managers. In partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Steriline Racing has provided recipients with an international experience designed to broaden their knowledge, strengthen their professional capabilities, and expose them to world-class racecourse management practices.

As the 2025 winner, Digby will travel to Hong Kong and mainland China to experience firsthand the operational, cultural, and climatic challenges that shape racecourse management on a global stage. The program has long been regarded as a springboard for young managers, with many past winners progressing to senior roles across the industry.

John Fargher, Managing Director of Steriline Racing, congratulated Digby on his achievement, saying:  "We’re proud to continue supporting this unique initiative. This scholarship gives passionate professionals a rare chance to see racecourse management on a global stage. It’s more than a study tour—it’s an investment in the future of our industry. Digby’s selection is a reflection of his talent, commitment, and potential to make a lasting impact."

ARMA also acknowledged the ongoing commitment of Steriline Racing in supporting the next generation of racecourse managers. Through this program, Digby will not only gain invaluable insights abroad but will also share his experience with industry peers by presenting his findings at the 2026 ARMA Conference.

ARMA congratulates Digby Nuthall on receiving the 2025 Steriline Racing Award and looks forward to following his journey as he represents both Hawkesbury Race Club and the broader Australian racing industry on the international stage.

When Jake Carlaw boarded a flight to Hong Kong as the 2024 recipient of the Steriline Racing, ARMA & Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship, he knew he was in for a valuable experience. What he didn’t anticipate was just how much he would take away from one of the most sophisticated racing operations in the world. From observing world-class track preparation to understanding high-pressure race-day logistics, Jake’s time in Hong Kong provided insights that he is already looking to implement back home at the Australian Turf Club.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is widely regarded as one of the most efficiently run racing organisations in the world, and Jake saw firsthand why that reputation is well deserved. “Their organisation and attention to detail were next level,” he explains. “Every process is structured, measured, and backed by data. From the way they manage their turf to how they coordinate race-day logistics, there’s an unwavering commitment to precision.”

One of the biggest takeaways for Jake was the integration of technology in track preparation and maintenance. “Seeing how they use data-driven decision-making to monitor and manage their tracks was a game-changer. It reinforced the importance of working with measurable insights rather than just experience and intuition,” he says.

Beyond the technical aspects, Jake was also exposed to the thriving racing culture in Hong Kong. “Happy Valley at night is something else—it’s racing as an entertainment product at its best. The atmosphere is electric, the presentation is immaculate, and it draws in not just racing enthusiasts but a much broader audience,” he says.

A visit to Conghua Racecourse in China was another highlight. “The scale and quality of the facilities are beyond anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a centre dedicated to training, rehabilitation, and horse welfare, and the investment in technology and infrastructure is world-class.”

Unlike many industry learning experiences, Jake’s trip wasn’t just about observing—it was about understanding how to apply those insights in an Australian context. “Some aspects of what they do in Hong Kong are unique to their environment, but there are plenty of practices that can be adapted to improve what we do at home,” he says.

He specifically pointed to efficiency in track maintenance and how small process changes can make a big impact. “One thing I’ll be working on is refining how we prepare our tracks for varying conditions, based on what I saw with HKJC’s approach.”

The scholarship has a strong track record of helping future racecourse managers develop their skills and networks, and Steriline Racing Managing Director John Fargher is proud to see its impact continue. “This program is about broadening perspectives, improving knowledge, and developing future leaders in the industry,” he says. “Jake has taken full advantage of this opportunity, and I have no doubt we’ll see him applying what he’s learned to drive improvements at the Australian Turf Club and beyond.”

The Steriline Racing, ARMA & Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarship will be offered again in 2025, with applications opening mid-year. Jake’s advice for those thinking about applying? “Do it. Seeing how racing operates at the highest level will completely change how you think about track management. It’s one of those experiences that can have a lasting impact on your career.”