VRC Spring Internship

Experience the Thrills of Spring Racing

The Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA), the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), and Evergreen are delighted to announce the promotion of the Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship.

This award is open to two young and enthusiastic racecourse employees for the opportunity to work alongside Liam O’Keeffe, Racecourse Manager at the VRC, in the lead-up to and on Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day this Spring Carnival.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be full-time employees of an Australian or New Zealand racetrack and be involved in track-related work. ARMA strongly encourages clubs to nominate a staff member, as the winner will gain valuable experience at one of the greatest racecourses in the Southern Hemisphere. The award provides an unforgettable opportunity to build knowledge of large-scale event preparation and management.

Two winners will be selected: one from Australia and one from New Zealand. The successful recipients will receive accommodation at Quest Flemington (adjacent to the racecourse) and travel expenses to Melbourne (for the international and interstate winners).

Evergreen Turf and the VRC share a deep commitment to nurturing talent and providing unparalleled experiences in the racing industry. Through this innovative internship, they aim to cultivate the next generation of Racecourse Managers, while showcasing the magic of spring racing at Flemington.

Eligibility

Open to full-time employees of Australian and Zealand racing clubs who work on the racetrack
Applicants must have approval from their club to participate

Prize Package

Two winners will be selected:

One from an Australian based Racing Club
One from a New Zealand based Racing Club

Winners will receive:

Return economy airfares (for the interstate and international winners only)
Four nights’ accommodation at Quest Flemington
Shadowing experience with the VRC Racecourse Manager and Assistant Manager during the preparation and delivery of a Group 1 Spring Race Meeting at Flemington
Opportunity to tour other metropolitan racecourses (MRC and MVRC), if time permits
Delegate registration to the 2027 ARMA Conference (valued at $850), where winners will present the findings of their experience

Racing Clubs of Winners Are Responsible For:

Approving time away from work for the internship and 2027 ARMA Conference presentation
Covering meals, transfers, travel insurance, and any expenses not included in the prize package
Covering any additional costs not covered by the 2027 ARMA Conference delegate registration

The Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship promises an unforgettable experience for those looking to advance their careers in the horse racing industry.

Evergreen Turf and Liam O’Keeffe will carefully evaluate all applications. Winners will be announced at the 2026 ARMA Awards Dinner.

Draft Schedule

A draft schedule has been outlined to ensure the winners gain a comprehensive experience while minimising disruption to their own racing clubs. VRC maintain the right to reschedule this internship at their discretion, which may include rescheduling to a race meeting without a Group 1 on the race program.

Details and dates of the application process will be released in early 2026.

Wednesday 9 September

Arrival in Melbourne and check-in at Quest Flemington.

Thursday 10 September

Meet at Flemington Racecourse, working alongside Liam O’Keeffe and Brendan Jackson in preparing for the Group 1 Race Day – morning track walk, going stick ratings, track preparations, pre-race meeting media, etc.
Receive Race Day Accreditation.
Dinner with Evergreen Turf, VRC and Melbourne Metropolitan Racecourse Managers.

Friday 11 September

Early morning jump outs at Flemington Racecourse.
Continue pre-race meeting preparations.
Tour Moonee Valley Racing Club and/or Melbourne Racing Club.

Saturday 12 September

Morning track walk.
Track preparations.
Participate in Race Day Duties for the Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse.

Sunday 13 September

Check-out from Quest Flemington.

Echuca & Brisbane Rising Stars Earn Prestigious Internship

At the 2025 ARMA Awards Dinner, Liam O’Keeffe from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and Peter Manning from Evergreen Turf proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship: Logan Blachford from Echuca Racing Club and Shane Lister from Brisbane Racing Club.

Now in its second year, this internship has quickly established itself as a premier development opportunity for young professionals in the racecourse management sector. It offers participants hands-on experience working with Liam O’Keeffe and his team in the lead-up to, and on, Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes Day at Flemington.

Logan and Shane will gain behind-the-scenes access to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic racecourses, shadowing the VRC’s Racecourse Manager and Assistant Racecourse Manager while learning the intricacies of track preparation, race day logistics, and the pressure of delivering a world-class racing surface. Their experience will also include exclusive tours of other metropolitan racecourses, providing a rare chance to compare facilities and practices at the highest level.

Reflecting on the significance of the program, VRC Racecourse Manager Liam O’Keeffe said:
“The Spring Internship gives young Racecourse Managers a unique perspective on what goes into preparing for a major Group 1 race day. For Logan and Shane, this is an opportunity to build their knowledge, confidence, and networks — and to see firsthand the level of detail and planning that goes into Flemington during the Carnival.”

Peter Manning of Evergreen Turf added: “Our industry relies on nurturing the next generation, and this program is about giving them not only skills but also inspiration. We were thrilled with the impact last year’s winners had, and we’re equally excited to see Logan and Shane take this opportunity and make it their own.”

Both winners will also receive accommodation at Quest Flemington, with flights provided for the interstate recipient, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship continues to highlight the commitment of Evergreen Turf and the VRC to fostering young talent and strengthening the future of the industry.

ARMA congratulates Logan Blachford and Shane Lister on their achievement and looks forward to welcoming them back to share their experiences at the 2026 ARMA Conference.

Liam O'Keeffe, Shane Lister, Logan Blachford and Peter Manning.

2024 Internship Recipients

Angus and Thomas awarded amazing Spring Internship Opportunity.

At the 2024 ARMA Awards Dinner, Liam O'Keeffe from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and Peter Manning from Evergreen Turf announce the winners of the 2024 Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship.

This prestigious opportunity has been awarded to two outstanding young racecourse employees: Angus Templeton from Moe Racing Club and Thomas Howle from Illawarra Turf Club.

These rising stars of the racing industry will have the unique chance to work alongside Liam O’Keeffe, the esteemed Racecourse Manager at the VRC, during the lead-up to and on Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse this Spring Carnival. This hands-on experience at one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic racecourses will offer unparalleled insights into the preparation and execution of a major race day.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

The Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship is designed to nurture the next generation of Racecourse Managers by providing them with a comprehensive experience in managing large-scale events. Over the course of the internship, Angus and Thomas will shadow the VRC’s Racecourse Manager and Assistant Racecourse Manager, gaining firsthand knowledge of track preparations, race day operations, and media interactions. Their journey will include exclusive tours of other metropolitan racecourses, such as Moonee Valley Racing Club and Melbourne Racing Club, further broadening their industry perspectives.

Supporting the Future of the Racing Industry

This award not only highlights the commitment of Evergreen Turf and the VRC to fostering talent within the horse racing industry but also showcases the excitement and significance of the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington. Both Angus and Thomas will also receive accommodation at Quest Flemington and, for the interstate winner, return airfares to Melbourne, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in this extraordinary experience.

The Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship program underscores the importance of nurturing the skills and knowledge of young professionals who are passionate about the racing industry. By participating in this internship, Angus and Thomas will gain invaluable experience that will enhance their careers and benefit their respective clubs.

Looking Ahead

Both winners will also attend the 2025 ARMA Conference, where they will present the findings of their internship experience to industry peers. This will be a significant platform for them to share their insights and contribute to the ongoing development of racecourse management practices in Australia.

ARMA congratulates Angus Templeton and Thomas Howle on their achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive as they take the next step in their promising careers.

ARMA also wishes to acknowledge the generosity of both Evergreen Turf and the VRC for providing these opportunities. It truly is an amazing effort from both these businesses.

Angus Templeton, Peter Manning, Liam O'Keeffe and Thomas Howle.