The 2020-2022 Godolphin Flying Start trainees arrived at Kildangan Stud on Monday 17 August to commence their two-year scholarship within the Thoroughbred industry.
The first two weeks of the course took place remotely while trainees travelling from overseas completed their 14 days quarantine, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.
Front L-R: Donncha McCarthy, Solène Hudbert, Tom Murphy, Erin McLaughlin, George Broughton, Brigitte Murphy, David Skelly. Back L-R: Tommy Lyon-Smith, Marine Moussa, Samantha Bussanich, Devon Dougherty, Angus Robertson
This week marked the first occasion when all twelve trainees, made up of six men and six women representing Australia, France, Ireland, the UK and the USA, were able to meet in person and with members of the Godolphin Flying Start management team.
The team have completed ICT and Communications training and begun their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at UCD (University College Dublin) online.
Trainees shall also complete a short course at RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) before commencing practical work rotations at Kildangan Stud with the yearlings. In addition, the coming weeks shall include various lectures and visits with industry professionals who have very kindly agreed to give up their time.
Godolphin Flying Start Executive Director, Clodagh Kavanagh, said;
“We are delighted to be able to welcome twelve new trainees to Kildangan for the start of their two-year education in the Thoroughbred industry. It is fantastic that we have been able stick to our timetable despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are incredibly grateful to all of our partners who have helped to make this happen. They are an enthusiastic and talented team of trainees and we are looking forward to the next two years.”
Trainee Angus Robertson from Scone, New South Wales added;
“I’m extremely grateful to be offered a position on the Flying Start for the next two years. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from the most knowledgeable people in the industry and it’s all made possible by the generosity and vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed. I’m excited to build on my current knowledge of horse racing, and also develop new insights and ideas about thoroughbreds, whilst undertaking invaluable leadership and management training. By learning about the sport and its different aspects at such a global level, I hope to be a part of the next generation to take the thoroughbred industry to further success.”
The 2020 – 2022 trainees are:
- George Broughton, UK
- Samantha Bussanich, USA
- Devon Dougherty, USA
- Solène Hudbert, France
- Thomas Lyon-Smith, UK
- Donncha McCarthy, Ireland
- Erin McLaughlin, USA
- Marine Moussa, France
- Brigitte Murphy, Ireland
- Tom Murphy, Ireland
- Angus Robertson, Australia
- David Skelly, Ireland
