2008 Trainee Views

June, Ireland

After returning from our very successful work placements, it was off again, this time to Germany for a brief industry visit. Melanie, our German tour guide, did a fantastic job of arranging visits. A great day’s racing was had at Krefeld racecourse in Dusseldorf, followed by an authentic German meal. Visits to Gestuet Schlenderhan, Gestuet Roettgen and the training yard of Peter Schiergen left us with a newfound appreciation for horse breeding and racing in Germany. The opportunity to see Monsun was greatly appreciated by everybody. These centres of excellence are a credit to Germany and show that the German industry is in safe hands.

In Ireland the sun has greeted us nearly every day; all emerald splendour draped in garlands of roses. Since our return from Germany, visits have included Castlemartin, Milltown, Ballylinch, Ballyhane and Tinakill Studs. Each visit proved to be extremely interesting and the hospitality proved that it would take more than a recession to affect Irish generosity. We had the good fortune to visit Gilltown Stud, the heart of the Aga Khan’s breeding program, and home of the legendary Sea The Stars. He is every bit as impressive in the flesh as he is in reputation, conducting himself with an air of confidence and grace, the epitome of Thoroughbred ‘class’.

Our business plans are also now behind us, after many months of study and soul-searching. All that remains is our presentations to the board. Sitting in the library writing this takes me back to the beginning of our adventure. One would never have guessed, two years ago, how much we would learn and experience. We are eagerly awaiting our graduation, to be held at Kildangan for the first time. We look forward to meeting old friends and teachers, catching up on events. Our families are coming to help us celebrate, and we cannot wait to show them the beauty of Kildangan.

Our final month in Ireland has flown by. It is hard to believe that we are less than a week from graduation, and ultimately separating to go our own ways. It has been an amazing two years, and it is difficult to imagine life without the rest of our cohort. It is at times like this, that we all recall the good times. It is crazy that the group have had stints or trips to Ireland, England, UAE, France, Germany, Australia, Argentina, Japan, India, New Zealand and the USA in just under 2 years. We have been exposed to every facet of the industry in centres of excellence all around the world. It was great to view Sea Lord win on Derby day after helping put him through his paces as a yearling. This just brings home how varied the Darley Flying Start experience is to each of us. Getting to witness many of the biggest races around the world and really get a grip as to where this industry is and where it needs to go. It has been such a varied two years that is only matched by our own varied individual backgrounds, it will be interesting to see where we all go from here.

There are so many people to thank; it is difficult to know where to begin. Along the way, there have been many people who have helped us. A whole-hearted THANK YOU goes out to everyone, throughout the world, who has helped us on our way and hopefully we can thank you when we cross paths in the future. We would also like to give a massive thank you to Joe and Clodagh, who have put many long hours into coordinating, organising, counselling and encouraging us. Finally, and most importantly, we would like to thank Sheikh Mohammed, whose generosity and vision created the Darley Flying Start Program, and has allowed us to pack a lifetime of learning and experiences into just two short years. One last time, Sorrel and Mick, over and out.

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life”
(Plato)

Sorrel Schoenberger and Mick Buckley

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Broodmares at Gestut Schlenderhan