Scholarship winner ready for trip of a lifetime

Morgan Wilks parades a yearling at Haunui Farm.

Morgan Wilks has her bags packed and is ready to fly out to Ireland this Sunday.

The 22-year-old is one of two people being supported by the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s Keith & Faith Taylor Family Trust Scholarship to attend the internationally renowned Irish National Stud to complete the Breeding Diploma.

On graduating, Wilks will head to Trelawney Stud in Cambridge for a six-month tenure.

Wilks has been at Haunui Stud for five yearling preparations and worked her way up to the role of Assistant Yearling Manager.

“Though we will be sad to see her go, we wish Morgan all the best as she takes the next step in her thoroughbred breeding career,” Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty said. “It’s important to give our young talent the opportunity to be exposed to new experiences to develop their skills and knowledge. We have no doubt she will represent our industry well over in Ireland and make the most of her time at the Irish National Stud.”

Wilks is looking forward to the experience and the opportunities the scholarship will present.

“I’m thankful to the NZTBA, the Chitty family and everyone at Haunui for their support,” she said. “I’m excited to be heading over there though a bit nervous too.

“It means everything to be awarded the scholarship and I am looking forward to the opportunities I will get to further my education in the thoroughbred breeding industry.”