Wright-Newman and Smith Awarded 2026 Spring Internships

The Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship will break new ground in 2026, with a New Zealand recipient selected for the first time since the program was established.

Elysha Wright-Newman from Oakbank Racing Club and Kane Smith from Otaki-Maori Racing Club in New Zealand were announced as this year’s recipients at the 2026 ARMA Awards Dinner in Adelaide.

The pair will head to Melbourne during the spring to join Liam O’Keeffe and the Victoria Racing Club track team at Flemington, experiencing first-hand what is required to prepare and present one of Australia’s premier racecourses during its busiest time of year.

Rather than simply observing from the sidelines, the internship is designed to immerse recipients in the day-to-day operation of the track team. Elysha and Kane will gain exposure to turf preparation and management, race day operations, planning and decision-making, while learning from the people responsible for delivering Flemington to the highest standard.

They will also have the opportunity to broaden their experience beyond Flemington, connecting with other racecourse managers and industry professionals and gaining an insight into different approaches to racecourse preparation and management.

Kane’s selection marks an important step forward for the internship. With ARMA representing Racecourse Managers across Australia and New Zealand, opening the program to New Zealand applicants creates another pathway for knowledge and experience to be shared across the Tasman.

For Elysha, the opportunity provides another valuable step in her development within the Australian racecourse management industry, taking experience gained at Oakbank into a major metropolitan racing environment.

Now entering its third year, the Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internship has become an important part of ARMA’s commitment to developing the next generation of racecourse management professionals. With the continued support of Evergreen Turf and the Victoria Racing Club, the program provides emerging industry talent with experiences, connections and knowledge that can be taken back and shared within their own clubs and teams.

ARMA congratulates Elysha Wright-Newman and Kane Smith on their selection and looks forward to following their time at Flemington before they share their experiences with the industry at the 2027 ARMA Conference in Perth.

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.

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.