A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they ought to be.

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Godolphin Flying Start is a two year, full time Management and Leadership scholarship dedicated to shaping the future of the global Thoroughbred industry.

An unparalleled training experience

Our mission is to recruit 12 talented individuals from around the world every year, offering unparalleled training and experience to cultivate visionary leaders. Through this fully funded scholarship, we aim to drive the long-term success of the industry, empowering graduates to make a lasting impact in both established and emerging fields.

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An <em>unparalleled</em> training experience
02
Years
05
Countries
12
Trainees
236
Global graduate alumni network
50%
Of graduates in management positions or running their own business.

What we stand for

Excellence

Excellence

We challenge and support each other to learn and to excel in everything we do.

Growth & Development

Growth & Development

We believe in building character through self-awareness, commitment and continuous growth. We willingly teach and mentor others.

Enhancement of the Industry

Enhancement of the Industry

We embrace innovation and are dedicated to improving the accessibility and well-being of our industry. We contribute to the positive public perception of horseracing by building a diverse, equal and inclusive community with an open and international perspective.

Leadership & Integrity

Leadership & Integrity

We believe in the power of people to lead change and to achieve ambitious goals. We show appreciation for what we have and pride in what we do.

Commitment to the Thoroughbred

Commitment to the Thoroughbred

We commit to developing a deep and broad knowledge of the horse and providing exceptional care, with a focus on the lifelong welfare of the Thoroughbred.

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What our graduates say:

Laura Vanska

When I started Flying Start I had a vague idea about running my own business one day. The programme and all the experiences during the two years gave me confidence and courage to make my dreams become reality.

Laura Vanska

Racehorse Trainer, France

Vicky Leonard

Godolphin Flying Start gives you unmatched global industry knowledge and experience, along with an invaluable international network. Whether at a sale in Kentucky or a racecourse in Australia, you’re likely to encounter a familiar face from the Flying Start community – it’s a network that spans every corner of the racing world.

Vicky Leonard

Founder and Managing Director, Kick Collective

Cathal Beale

Godolphin Flying Start has had an immeasurable influence on my career. The two-year programme itself was incredible, but as time passes, you realise that the connections between all the graduates is the most special aspect of it. There are now over 230 graduates of the programme, and it is an incredible network of friends and colleagues.

Cathal Beale

CEO, Irish National Stud and Gardens

Liza Hendriks

Godolphin Flying Start was a game-changer for me. Wanamaker’s actually started as my final business plan for the course, and the program gave me the confidence and tools to turn that idea into a reality. The network I built through Flying Start opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, including leading to our partnership with Inglis. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the skills and connections I gained through the program.

Liza Hendriks

CEO at Inglis Digital USA

Alayna Cullen Birkett

Even years after graduating from Godolphin Flying Start, I’m reminded daily of how much the program has given me. A placement with Thoroughbred Daily News led to a full-time role that I’ve grown in over the past seven years. The course provided me with a deep understanding of the global industry and connected me with life-long friends, my husband, and a network of professionals worldwide.

Alayna Cullen Birkett

Business Development Manager at TDN

A global experience.

The Godolphin International Thoroughbred Leadership Programme is a two-year, full-time management course combining lectures, visits, and hands-on experience. With continual assessment, externships, and self-study, it partners with global universities to deliver certified business and equine modules. Across a two-year period, trainees live and learn in five major racing jurisdictions outlined below.

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Kildare, Ireland

10 weeks

– Goffs Orby Yearling Sale
– Race meetings at The Curragh and Leopardstown
– Practical experience with yearlings at Kildangan Stud
– Equine Anatomy, Physiology & Reproduction at UCD
– Multimedia, Communication and Personal Development modules

Newmarket, UK

8 weeks

– Race meetings at Newmarket and Chelmsford
– Tattersalls Breeding Stock Sale
– Office experience at Dalham Hall Stud
– Legal, Bloodstock Insurance, Accounting, Racing Form and Media Skills modules.

 

Kentucky, USA

26 weeks

– Race meetings at Keeneland and Churchill Downs
– Practical experience on breeding farms
– Equine Nutrition at University of Kentucky
– Farriery & Racing Officials Programme
– Public Speaking
– Legal, Finance and Pedigree Analysis
– Four-week externship

NSW, Australia

22 weeks

– Race meetings at Sydney and Melbourne
– Practical experience on breeding farms
– Leadership module at Australian Graduate School of Management
– Business Management and Bloodstock modules
– Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
– Eight-week externship

Dubai, UAE

3 weeks

– Race meetings at Meydan, Al Ain and Jebel Ali
– Visits to Dubai-based trainers
– Customer discovery workshops
– Cultural visits and experiences

Kildare, Ireland

18 weeks

– Race meetings at Naas, Punchestown and Dundalk
– Career Mentoring
– Professional Development
– Entrepreneurship module at UCD Michael Smurfit Business
School Business Management
– Pitching business ideas
– Industry Structure, Funding and Administration
Four-week externship

How to apply?

Applications for the 2025 – 2027 programme are now open. Apply now by clicking here.

 

Are you who we are looking for?

Are you seeking to develop excellent management and leadership training and a career in the Thoroughbred Industry?

Do you have excellent communication skills and in-depth knowledge and passion for horse racing?

Are you someone who enjoys a rigorous academic program and multi-cultural experiences?

Do you have competent horse handling skills?

 

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How to <em>apply</em>?

Our partners:

Godolphin Flying Start is fortunate to be supported by a large number of leading industry businesses and organisations including:

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The BIG Questions

How much does Godolphin Flying Start cost?

Godolphin Flying Start is a fully-funded two-year scholarship. Apart from personal expenses, trainees should incur no financial burden throughout the duration of the course. This allows them to focus fully on their education, practical experience, and career development in the industry.

What is included in the scholarship?

Godolphin Flying Start covers all major expenses for trainees which include the following:

  • All course fees
  • Accommodation
  • Local transport
  • International health insurance
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Flight allowances
  • Visa and immigration costs
Do I need a degree to apply?

No, not necessarily. While most applicants do hold degrees, it is not the only eligibility criteria. The programme typically seeks applicants with an NFQ Level 8 qualification, equating to a bachelor’s degree. However, there are alternate pathways:

NFQ Level 7 Qualification with Industry Experience:

If you hold an NFQ Level 7 at honours level and have amassed three to five years of full-time relevant experience in the Thoroughbred industry post-graduation, you’re a potential candidate.

NFQ Level 6 Qualification with Extensive Experience:

For those with a Level 6 qualification at honours level coupled with at least 10 years of full-time relevant industry employment, including roles of responsibility, the doors to Godolphin Flying Start are open.

Do I have to be from a racing background to apply?

No, Godolphin Flying Start welcomes all.

The world of thoroughbred racing and breeding is often perceived as an exclusive realm, steeped in tradition and, more often than not, accessible mostly to those born into it. However, the Godolphin Flying Start programme breaks down these barriers, offering a unique opportunity that transcends family backgrounds and traditional entry points into the racing world.

The thoroughbred industry, like any other, thrives on diversity and fresh perspectives. Bringing in talent from various backgrounds can introduce new ideas, strategies, and outlooks that can propel the industry forward. Godolphin Flying Start recognizes this potential and actively encourages applicants from all walks of life.

Do I need to be competent around horses?

Yes, you do need to have a basic level of competency handling horses to apply for Godolphin Flying Start. Once selected for interview you will be asked to provide a video demonstrating horsemanship competency in the following areas:

  • Tacking up and lunging a horse.
  • Tacking up and putting a horse on a walker.
  • Grooming and presenting a mare, yearling or foal for inspection.
  • Riding a quiet horse in an enclosed area.
Do I need to have worked in the Thoroughbred industry?

Yes, you need at least one year in paid, full-time, hands-on employment in the Thoroughbred industry to meet the application criteria for Godolphin Flying Start.

Contact Us

If you’re thinking of applying for Godolphin Flying Start but have more questions to ask, please feel free to get in touch with a member of our team. We would be happy to arrange a chat, via video or phone call – just drop us a line.

e-mail
info@godolphinflyingstart.com
phone
+353 (0)45 527600