Nineteen year old Alex Tout will be able to travel to the USA after receiving the Breeding Encouragement Award from the Leigh Plunkett Foundation to further his career in harness racing. Tout works for Success Stud In NSW and is excited to be given the opportunity to head overseas to learn more about the breeding industry.
“I was very excited to win the award, it was great to see the Leigh Plunkett Foundation recognise the breeding side of the industry, I have no training or driving experience but have still been given the opportunity to learn more about the harness racing industry,” Tout said.
“I love my job with Success Stud, it all started for me there a few years ago when I applied to do work experience with them, after that finished I continued to help out during school holidays and since I have left school I have been working there.”
Tout plans to travel to Blue Chip Farms, a 700 acre breeding farm located seventy kilometres north of Manhattan, New York which is the home of leading stallion Art Major.
“I’d like to spend some time at Blue Chip Farms learning as much as I can and then head to Winbak Farm and watch what happens there too.”
“I’ve had a passion for horses since I can remember, my family has always had show horses but when I started with Success Stud it was my first involvement in the harness racing industry.”
While Tout has enjoyed a few different aspects of the industry, he believes the breeding side has been the most interesting to date.
“I have spoken to a few people about training and driving, I’ve got a share in some racehorses too but the breeding aspect of the industry is what I find most interesting.”
“I’ve already got a few favourite broodmares here, Maudie won the Pink Bonnet in 2006 is a favourite, so too is Lady Lexus everyone here loves her and I have a bit of time for Muscle Beach as well.”
Leigh Plunkett Foundation spokesman Vaughn Lynch was full of praise for Tout.
“It is the first time the foundation has given out the Breeding Encouragement Award but I think it is an important part of the industry that needs to be nurtured and to see such a strong passion and interest in someone as young as Alex is very exciting.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
Greg Hayes | Media Coordinator | Harness Racing New South Wales |