The 2017 – 2019 Godolphin Flying Start trainees arrived at Kildangan Stud on Monday, August 14th. The twelve trainees represent six countries: Australia, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, USA and France. The group were welcomed by Godolphin Flying Start and Godolphin management at a lunch in the Cape Cross Centre, on their first day.
The first week on the programme has focused on induction training. In addition to a stallion show and tour of Kildangan Stud they visited Godolphin’s Ragusa, Old Connell and Blackhall Studs and had a presentation on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock interests. They will shortly commence IT and Communications training as well as their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at University College Dublin. They will commence practical work experience assisting with breaking yearlings at Kildangan in early September. The group are looking forward to their first taste of Irish racing at the Irish Champions Weekend Trials at the Curragh this Saturday and Sunday.
Trainee Amy Buckley from Celbridge in County Kildare is looking forward to hosting her international classmates on the Ireland phase of the program. “’I’m really excited about showcasing our renowned industry here in Ireland to my fellow trainees. We all come from different disciplines throughout the international thoroughbred industry which is fantastic as we can learn so much from each other.”
Lectures, visits, assignments and practical experience will continue for the ten week Irish phase of the program until the end of October when they will travel to Newmarket to commence the UK phase of the programme. The trainees will attend the Goffs yearling sales and racing at the Curragh, Leopardstown and Laytown.
To view individual profiles of the trainees click here