2007 Trainee Views
Dubai - February and March 2009
With seven weeks of desert life to go we switched our work rotations for the second and final time in the lead up to World Cup night at Nad Al Sheba. Mick moved into to the Grandstand Stables of Mike De Kock, while next door Cathal was bearing the four o’clock starts in Musaba Al Muhairi’s yard. Across the road in International Stables James and Ian were attending to the foreign influx of trainers and horses while Darren was situated 200 yards further up the road at the yard of Herman Brown. Jordyn moved to Erwan Charpy's, while Leif and Kyle went to work with Doug Watson and John Hyde respectively. Jana prowled the corridors of power at the Dubai Racing Club while Jason continued his veterinary placement at Dubai Equine Hospital. Finally, Andy was placed with the Darley Dubai office down town. A huge thanks to all the people we were placed with throughout our time in Dubai for welcoming us with open arms.
Throughout the Dubai leg of Flying Start there has been a focus on developing our business plans and the Emirates Academy business and management modules went a long way in aiding this process. We completed our modules and in each one had to present our final projects to the group. We produced financial feasibility reports, marketing plans, a request for a proposal for a website and a Human Resources report but we still found time to have fun! Regular visits to Barasti Bar, The Meat Company and Bar Zar ensured this! Liam, Mick and Cathal went dune bashing in 4 by 4 jeeps while Kyle and Leif went skiing in the Emirates Mall – only in Dubai!!!
Many of the group members enjoyed the unique atmosphere of Fibber Magee’s Irish Bar opposite the Emirates Towers, especially enjoying the Cheltenham Festival and the incredible Gold Cup win of Kauto Star. Even in Dubai St Patrick’s Day was enjoyed by all with a good old fashioned sing song down the pub. We regularly visited “The Walk” down in the Dubai Marina and many of the crew made it to Frankie’s Restaurant on more than one occasion.
Our final week in the UAE will long live in the memory as one of the highlights of the past two years. We got into the party spirit at the incredible Jebel Ali end of season party on the weekend before World Cup. Belly dancers and an amazing house band ensured the entertainment on the night was only matched by the spread of every type of food imaginable. Again, a massive thank you goes to all the team at Jebel Ali for making us so welcome throughout our stay. We then had the good fortune to meet with Gerard Lawless of the Jumeirah Group. Mr Lawless outlined the incredible tourism industry that has been created in Dubai and the steps that have been taken to provide economic “slump busters”.
The following week began in style with the Godolphin press morning. The horses looked in tremendous shape and confidence abounded for the Saturday ahead. On the Wednesday afternoon we had the magnificent pleasure of meeting HH Sheikh Mohammed. We began our day with a look behind the scenes at the Dubai International Financial Services Centre which was a terrific insight into the growth of Dubai as a financial hub. As we were discussing the economic policies of UAE with Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, His Highness entered the room. We chatted with him for over an hour until it was time to go to lunch at the excellent ZUMA Japanese restaurant. We did not enter a bullet proof car or have to put on any riot gear. Instead we walked with His Highness through the DIFC for ten minutes, one of the most surreal experiences any one of us has ever had. As we walked past, people stopped eating their soup and rolls, got up from their seats and started applauding. We enjoyed the fifteen minutes of fame! If only we had seen someone we knew! His Highness was unbelievably down to earth and generous with his time. We ate, not in the private underground lair of the restaurant, but with the people of Dubai. It was an afternoon none of us will ever forget and we would all like to thank John Ferguson and Sheikh Mohammed for spending a great afternoon with us.
As if that wasn’t enough the next morning was the “Breakfast with the Stars” gathering at Nad Al Sheba. Unfortunately the first two hours involved the masses seeking shelter in the stand as the heavens opened making Dubai look more akin to Dublin. The weather cleared and the protagonists for World Cup night were interviewed, although no one was giving very much away, two days before the big one. That night the Arabian Nights Desert Party was scheduled but unfortunately, it was rained off. The correct decision was made early and the party was held indoors in the huge ballroom in the DIFC. Another brilliant night of food and entertainment was had and there was still two days until the World Cup.
Friday and Saturday morning came and went without incident and it was time to get ready for the richest night of racing in the World. Some trainees were distributed amongst respective trainers and the Dubai Racing Club, whilst others helped out entertaining clients in the Darley box and escorting them down to the parade ring before each race. It was fantastic experience to be amongst one of the biggest nights of racing, and everything went to plan with Well Armed finishing an era off in style, with the Dubai World Cup being the last race run ever at Nad Al Sheba.
Special thanks must go to Darley's Emma Ridley, Emily Oman and Darley Flying Start coordinator Ajay Anne who organised the logistics and day-to-day operations during our time in Dubai.
Cathal Beale & Andrew Williams
Liam with Emirates Towers in the background
At Jebel Ali races
Kyle tries his hand at falconry
Visiting Zabeel Stables
Visiting Zabeel Stables