There has been a changing of the guard at the New Zealand Equine Academy (NZEA).

Previously led by Donavan Mansour, the Skill NZ NZQA Level 2 course runs out of Byerley Park in Kingseat while the Level 3 and Apprentice Jockey Academy, powered by Entain, operate out of the satellite campus in Cambridge.

“Donavan has really put the New Zealand Equine Academy on the map as a career pathway provider since it was established in 2021,” NZEA director Daniel Nakhle said. “While we are sad to see Donavan go to pursue other career opportunities, it is an exciting time with Leith (Innes) taking over the Apprentice Jockey Academy and Amie (Best) coming in as Programme Leader of the Level 2 and 3 course.

“Leith has already started and has taken to the role like a duck to water. The Level 3 course starts next month, and recruitment is underway for the September Level 2 intake, so Amie will hit the ground running there.

“We’re very grateful to our sponsors and supporters. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Entain, New Zealand Bloodstock, Dunstan and Majestic as the New Zealand Equine Academy continues to go from strength to strength.”

Champion jockey Leith Innes is looking forward to working with the apprentices and imparting his knowledge and experience to help develop the young riders.

“This is a great opportunity for me to help the younger generation that are pursuing a riding career,” he said. “Obviously the goal is to see them become successful apprentices and then continue on to add real value to the senior riding ranks.”

“I used to ride for Daniel a lot and we have we have been friends for a very long time so I’m looking forward to working with him in this capacity.”

Amie Best brings a wealth of industry experience to her role as Programme Leader having worked for stud farms and racing stables around the world as well as coming from a strong equestrian background. She has extensive marketing and media experience as well as her Masters in Psychology.

“I’m excited to take on this role and using my skillset to help develop the skills and passion necessary for those wanting to build a career in the thoroughbred industry,” Best said. “We all know that staffing is an international industry challenge so I’m looking forward to helping the students follow a creditable career pathway and seeing them go on to contribute to the industry.”

Best is supported by well-respected industry professionals Aleisha Legg and Elen Nicholas who are tutors of the Level 3 course in Cambridge.

For more information about the New Zealand Equine Academy head to: https://www.byerleypark.co.nz/equine-academy/