From Stud Start to Flying Around the World

If anyone embodies the opportunities available through industry pathways, Liam Bacon is a prime example.

A Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Stud Start graduate, Liam knew from the moment he was given his first opportunity to work hands-on with horses that this was an industry he wanted to be part of.

Growing up in the Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove, Liam completed Year 12 before heading straight to university, graduating at the end of 2024 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Management.

Working with thoroughbreds was never initially on Liam’s agenda. But after making a fortunate connection with Bruce Slade at Newgate and seeing the link between his business degree and his passion for horses, an opportunity opened the door to an industry he has enjoyed ever since.

With limited practical experience, Liam joined the TBA Stud Start program to gain foundational knowledge through both theory and hands-on learning before starting his first season with the Newgate team.

“When the opportunity at Newgate arose, I had very limited hands-on experience with horses, so I wanted to prepare myself as well as possible before the season started,” said Bacon.

“The Stud Start program came up naturally as I looked for ways to gain some practical knowledge and get a foot in the door.”

“It provided a great foundation, both from a theoretical perspective and through practical experience, and gave me much more confidence heading into my first season.”

The Stud Start course helped Liam understand that often it is the small things that make the biggest difference. Learning safe horse handling practices, understanding horse behaviour, and developing confidence around horses provided a strong foundation that allowed him to make the most of future opportunities.

After completing Stud Start, Liam joined Newgate and began working in the stallion barn.

“The opportunity to work with the stallions at Newgate gave me my first real exposure to the industry and confirmed it was where I wanted to build my career.”

“I knew almost immediately, working hands-on with the horses, that this was an industry I wanted to be a part of. I enjoyed every aspect of it, from working with the horses to learning from the people around me. From then on, I never really had any doubts that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.”

Following his first season at Newgate, Liam completed the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Graduate Program, including externships with Yulong and Magic Millions.

“Spending a week together in Melbourne before completing externships with leading industry organisations, the course was a great benefit to my bloodstock development.”

“Learning from Vin Cox and Dane Robinson at their respective yearling sales was invaluable.”

“I was fortunate enough to gain firsthand insight into how two industry leaders operate, which is exactly the type of exposure and opportunity the Graduate Program provides.”

Following the Graduate Program, Liam continued working closely with Bruce Slade across a variety of broodmare and weanling sales before returning to Newgate for a second season.

Another opportunity followed, with time spent at Juddmonte in the UK. The experience allowed Liam to gain exposure to another world-class operation and broaden his 

perspective on how elite breeding and racing businesses operate internationally.

In 2026, Liam was accepted into the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program.

“The more I learned about the program and the calibre of people who had completed it, the more I recognised what a unique opportunity it presented,” said Bacon.

“The ability to travel the world and experience the thoroughbred industry on an international scale is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I also saw it as a chance to accelerate my learning and build relationships with people from all corners of the global thoroughbred industry.”

“Receiving the news that I had been accepted was a very proud moment and something I was extremely grateful for.”

From learning the ropes through Stud Start to securing a place in one of the most globally recognised industry programs, Liam has taken every opportunity and made it count.

“I have been fortunate to learn from a number of people who have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.”

“Bruce Slade has had a significant impact on my development through providing my initial opportunity at Newgate. In addition, Henry Field and the entire Newgate team have been instrumental in helping me develop practical skills and confidence, with people such as Jim Carey and Jackson Beirs playing an important role in my day-to-day development.”

With the world at his feet and two exciting years ahead as a Flying Start student, Liam is a great example of where this industry can take you.

Horse experience or not, if you have the passion, there is a pathway.

Interested in learning more about equine industry pathways? Head to www.horsejobsaus.com.au/education