Our Team
Our Workplace Trainer and Assessors are qualified, dedicated professionals in the racing industry. Their industry experience is continually up to date by participating in professional development activities, therefore giving our learners the best practical industry experience.
At Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy, we deliver a nationally accredited qualification via training face-to-face and in the workplace.
Our trainers are all professionally qualified trainers and have personal industry and job role experience. Our trainers deliver their training in a way that learners will enjoy.
We also have systems in place to ensure that quality training and education is delivered to our vast and remote industry.
High quality online training is incorporated into our blended delivery.
MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE:
Florentine Wood
General Manager – Industry Resources
Florentine has a background in property and projects and in 2025 was appointed General Manager – Industry Resources.
Her role includes oversite of The Training Academy and aims to contribute to RNSW’s strategic objectives by creating an environment that supports the safety, growth and success of industry participants through the provision and improvement of resources.
A former horse riding instructor and a TBA ‘Fast Track’ alumni, Florentine is passionate about improving entry pathways to our industry, to never stop learning and to impart that ethos on those around her and in the work that she does.
Adrian Teitzel
Executive Officer
- RTO Quality & Compliance
- Former NSW Regional Training Manager – Australian Institute of Fitness
- Former Lead Fitness Coach
TRAINERS AND ASSESSORS:
Daniel Power
Head Teacher
- Qualified Workplace Trainer
- Horse safety Australia Coaching
- Groom for the 2004 Australian Olympic Team – Athens
- Won award for groom of the year 2008
- Former Stable foreman
- Winning Group 1 Auckland Cup as the stable representative for Anthony Cummings
Jamie Whitney
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (SERA, SDRA & CDRA)
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Former Jockey
- Jockey Coach and Mentor
Scott Thurlow
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (MNCRA, NRRA, HNWRA)
- Former Jockey
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Jockey Coach and Mentor
Tony Brabender
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (Track Maintenance/Horticulture – NSW)
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Greenkeeper, Sports Turf Management
- TAFE NSW Teacher
- Racetrack Manager
Robyn Fowler
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (Metro/Prov)
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Former Racing Manager
- Former Racing Office Manager
- Former Racing Official
Tina Rogers
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (Metro/Prov)
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Former Racehorse Trainer
- Foreman and Senior Stablehand
- Pre-trainer, breaking, rehabilitation and spelling
- Veterinary nurse
Ida Cirignano
Workplace Trainer and Assessor (Metro/Prov)
- Qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor
- Former Stablehand
- Former Senior Stablehand pre-training and rehabilitation
APPRENTICE JOCKEY COACHES
Vanessa Beck
Apprentice Development Manager
- Former Jockey
- NSW Apprentice School Manager
Rodney Quinn
Jockey Coach – Provincial & South East regions
Highly respected Australian jockey who rode more than 2,000 winners over a career spanning nearly 40 years.
Dale Jeffries
Jockey Coach – Central West NSW
A highly respected jockey in the Central West region of New South Wales, Dale Jeffries now serves as a mentor to apprentice jockeys.
During his racing career, he rode the winner of every major cup at tracks in the Central West.
Cameren Swan
Jockey Coach – Hunter North West NSW
Cameren Swan is a former jockey now known for his work as a stable foreman for leading Australian trainer Kris Lees. His career highlights include a notable Group 2 win as a teenage apprentice and a seamless transition into a crucial behind-the-scenes role.
John Powell
Jockey Coach – Northern Rivers NSW
John Powell is a retired Australian jockey who enjoyed a successful career spanning 37 years, with more than half of his 1,400 winners coming from his time riding in Singapore.
Pat Webster
Jockey Coach & Accredited Drug and Alcohol Mentor
Pat Webster is a retired Australian horse trainer and former jockey who is most famous for his association with the fan-favourite Group 1 winner, Happy Clapper. Based out of Royal Randwick for his entire 55-year career in racing, Webster retired from training in 2020 and is now known for his important mentorship and support roles within the racing industry.
Enrolled Students can contact Pat on 0418 644 955 with all calls treated confidentially.
STUDENT WELFARE AND SUPPORT
Phillip O’Brien
General Manager – Participant Welfare
A qualified Workplace Trainer & Assessor, Phillip is a dedicated and experienced racing industry professional of more than 20 years.
With extensive expertise in participant welfare, training, and race day operations at Racing NSW, delivering innovative training sessions and ensuring safety and compliance in the thoroughbred racing sector.
Enrolled students can contact Phillip on 02 6332 4186 or email pobrien@racingnsw.com.au for confidential matters.