2007 Trainee Views
Dubai - January 2009
After disembarking in all directions from the land down under, the group reconvened at the fantastic Emirates Academy in the foothills of the Burj al Arab after the winter break. We circled the camels and tall tales were told into the night, under the withering influence of an apple flavoured shisha. In usual Liam style, he got the most out of the two week break, collecting more stamps on his passport, taking in the sights of Happy Valley and Sha Tin in Hong Kong and then riding ponies around the Pyramids in Egypt – for a nominal fee. Kyle domesticated himself by learning French cuisine in Paris, after a less than smooth passage from Australia. Jimmy and Darren headed even further down under to spend Christmas in New Zealand, together. Andy also joined them down Waikato way, while Leif was doing work on the tan and his beard in Fiji. Jason flew to sun drenched Perth while Mick and Cathal enjoyed the Leopardstown races in Ireland in near equal measure. Jordyn and Ian went home to the US and Jana returned home to friends and family in the Czech Republic.
In the cool light of day we were able to appreciate the wonders of the surroundings – the magnificent Burj al Arab, the massive Burj Dubai, the incredible ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates and Sheikh Zayed Road, the world’s only Tetris game for cars. The phrase ‘world’s only’ and “world’s biggest’ were frequently alluded to in our first week which was action packed with tours covering both cultural and industry related visits. A visit to the Jumeirah Mosque provided us with a great insight into the religious background of Dubai and the Middle East. This was then followed by an unforgettable experience, when visiting the gold souk near the Dubai Creek. Those that backed themselves as potential ‘scoopers and diggers’, were put to the test by a local businessman, when haggling down the price of pistachio nuts and other local delicacies by the kg. Chauffer driven by Darley Dubai's Emily Oman and Flying Start coordinator Ajay Anne, the group was whisked around Dubai visiting local trainers at their respective training yards. A meeting with the senior management associated with Meydan provided a great insight into the power and passion behind the new race-track development.
Other memorable visits have included the Wild Wadi Water Park, where every group member ran around like ten year olds at a birthday party. Notable feats included conquering Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside of North America. The likes of Mick Flanagan entertained the public with his high-pitched squeals when reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, although he did manage to keep his legs crossed, unlike some members of the group who exited the chute looking less than flattering. On a visit to Hatta Farm in the desert we decided that dune bashing and camel riding have to be penciled in as future group activities. The farm once housed Darley stallions such as Halling and now is a centre of excellence for purebred Arabian horses as well as having some thoroughbreds.
After the introductory period of week one it was time to knuckle down and really get to work. Each morning we spend our time at various placements and by afternoon we attend classes at the Academy. The modules we are enrolled in are IT, HR, marketing and finance. For the morning placements several of the trainees are spending time with trainers, namely; Doug Watson, Mike de Kock, Erwan Charpy, Dhruba and Adi Selvaratnam, Satish Seemar, and Saeed Bin Suroor at Godolphin. Other placements include the Emirates Racing Authority and Dubai Racing Club, Dubai Veterinary Hospital, International Stables, Dubai Stables and Dubai World Cup Quarantine Stables. Each trainee has thoroughly enjoyed their experience thus far and is looking forward to the weeks ahead in the build up to Dubai World Cup night at the end of March.
The International carnival is now in full swing and every Thursday night each group member is put to work at one of the world’s greatest tracks at Nad al Sheba, which is now overlooked by the vast Meydan project. Rotations include shadowing the stewards, the starter, the veterinarians, and even the handicapper and we still manage to keep an eye on the racing as well. On our first visit to the track prior to beginning our placements we were fortunate enough to be invited to the Keeneland box and it was great to catch up with Geoffrey Russell and Rogers Beasley from our Kentucky days. We have also regularly attended Jebel Ali racecourse on Friday afternoons and we are very grateful to Dhruba Selveratnam and Emma Campbell who look after us so well when we are there, enjoying the racing on our day off.
Other highlights thus far have included Barasti Bar, the Noodle house, strawberry shisha, Emily’s driving, the Burj, the Mall of Dubai, Club 360, photocopying, The Meat Co, Mina a Salam, mint shisha, Jimmy’s driving, Slumdog Millionaire, Remo Café, lunch with John Ferguson and above all else, the weakening pound! There is a lot to see and do in this incredible city.
Cathal Beale & Andrew Williams
Welcome reception at Emirates Academy, with Burj in the background
Our nextdoor neighbours!
The 2007 Trainees in the Burj
The group at John Hydes stables
Visiting with Doug Watson, trainer
Visiting with Adi Selvaratnam, trainer