2008 Trainee Views

June 2009 - USA

As our time in America draws to an end, all will definitely agree that it has been an amazing experience. Over the past six months we have all come to view Lexington as a second home. Having survived the harsh Kentucky winter, we were rewarded with a beautiful Kentucky spring, which far exceeded our high expectations. Can anywhere rival Lexington in April? The race meet at Keeneland was one of the highlights of our time in Kentucky, and was the perfect showcase for American racing.

We had a great opportunity to spend two weeks with Mitch Taylor from the Kentucky Horseshoeing School. Not only did we spend time in the classroom gaining a better understanding of the equine hoof, but also put our trimming skills to work in the frigid Kentucky winter.

Our practical work rotations have ended, providing us all with experience working with foals, yearlings, broodmares, stallions and racehorses. We had the opportunity to spend time at Jonabell, Gainesborough and the newly acquired Stonerside Farm. We tip our hat to John Adger, Bobby Spalding and rest of the Stonerside crew for all their help because it was their first experience interacting with Darley Flying Start trainees. Well done guys!
The University of Kentucky Nutrition class taught by Dr. Lawrence has also come to an end. While challenging, this course has provided us with invaluable knowledge about formulating diets for all types of horses. We have been fortunate enough to have had some excellent lectures during our time here, including nutritionist Dr. Steve Jackson, Headley Bell, Dr. Rhonda Rathgeber of Hagyards, Fred Pope, Dr. Dickson Varner of Texas A&M, and Bobby Trussell of Walmac Farm, to name a few. Our visits to Pin Oak Stud, Taylor Made Farm, Juddmonte Farms, Three Chimneys Farm, Winstar Farm, and KESMARC have added to the list of top quality farms and facilities that we have had the pleasure of visiting.

Clinton Pitts and Wendy Davis were kind enough to teach us about the challenges of stewarding races during the Stewards’ Accreditation course. After analyzing numerous races we have all gained a greater appreciation of the difficulties involved in being a steward. We all breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that we had passed the exams! It should be noted that we are the first class to have all passed the exam on the first attempt!

All of the trainees helped with the fan tours at Jonabell Farm during Derby Weekend. This was a great chance to learn more about the farm, though some of the fans knew even more about Jonabell and its stallions than their tour guides did! It was great to meet so many enthusiastic racing fans. We were fortunate enough to watch Rachel Alexandra capture the Kentucky Oaks, and seeing Mine That Bird‘s amazing victory in the Kentucky Derby is something that will not soon be forgotten. Unfortunately Godolphin’s Desert Party and Regal Ransom could not duplicate their one-two performance that we saw in the UAE Derby, but this year is another prime example of how difficult the race is and why the Kentucky Derby if the hardest race in the world to win. The Derby weekend was a sight to be seen. Starting with the Derby parties on the famous 4th Street in Louisville to the colorful array of hats and fashion at Churchill Downs.

Over the past six weeks we have all gone our separate ways for the eagerly anticipated work placements. The placements saw Charlie, Brian and Sorrel head westward to work with trainers in southern California. Charlie spent his placement with John Shireffs at Hollywood Park, where he got to work with the brilliant Zenyatta. She captured her eleventh straight victory in the Gr.I Vanity Handicap (thanks to Charlie’s lucky presence, we’re sure!). Brian spent time with Eoin Harty at the historic Santa Anita Park, taking on the important role of assistant to the assistant trainer. Sorrel was lucky enough to work with Irish trainer Paddy Gallagher, both at Hollywood and Santa Anita, where she was thankful to be back in the saddle, ponying racehorses with the beloved stable pony, Curley.

Meagan travelled to Arlington Park where she quickly put her friendly smile to use, presenting awards and taking interviews. PJ and Billy drove to New York to spend time with trainers at Belmont Park. PJ spent time his time with Kiaran McLaughlin while Billy shadowed Christophe Clement. They were both able to experience the hype leading up the 141st Belmont Stakes. Unfortunately, the McLaughlin Barn was not able to win their second Belmont with Charitable Man, but was able to win the GII Vagrancy H. with Carolyn’s Cat only two days after the boys arrived. Billy had a front row seat when Gio Ponti captured the GI Woodford Reserve Manhattan H. in spectacular last to first fashion on the Belmont Stakes undercard. The guys were fortunate enough because both McLaughlin and Clement are currently battling for leading trainer at Belmont. Billy and PJ were also able to pick up some poker tips from Kiaran McLaughlin and jockey Alan Garica at the Belmont Bash Charity Casino Night that benefitted the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. They had the opportunity to catch up with one of their previous lectures Mr. Ed Bowen, President of the Grayson-Jockey Club, and enjoyed a terrific evening. Thanks Mr. Bowen.

Three trainees chose to remain in Kentucky, gaining more experience in the thoroughbred capital of the world. Melanie worked with Bill Harrigan at Miacomet Farm, caring for layups and galloping horses in training. Two trainees have spent their placements with sales companies, Mick with Fasig-Tipton and Gary with Keeneland. Gary had an opportunity to see plenty of yearlings with the sales inspection crew in the Bluegrass and even travelled to the east coast with Mr. Geoffery Russell visiting farms in Maryland and Virginia picking up valuable insight along the way. Mick learnt a huge amount from all the different characters in the Fasig staff and might join them at Saratoga for a short time in August. They both had the ‘craic’ along the way.

The final three trainees ventured a bit farther afield, with Jimmy and Bill heading to Japan to spend time with Darley’s operations there. They had the opportunity to go racing a bit and enjoyed the Japanese Oaks and G1 Yashuda Kinen. The guys visits included Shadai Stallion Station, JBBA Stallion Station, BTC and Miho Training Centers and had the chance to meet the JRA team. On the weekend they enjoyed their sightseeing trips to Tokyo and Sapporo with a little night life thrown in the mix. Chance flew to Argentina and spent time with Antonio Bullrich where they visited farms such as Haras La Quebrada, La Mission as well as the Carreras Las Estrellas – the Argentine equivalent to the Breeders’ Cup.

Over the next few days we will all make our respective ways back to Lexington. Having been apart for six weeks, there will be many adventures to relay. The past six months have flown by, as will our final three weeks in America. We will be busy preparing for the inaugural edition of Jeopardy, Flying Start style, which is sure to be entertaining! While we eagerly await our upcoming adventures in Australia, it will be difficult to leave America. We have made so many new friends here, and the American hospitality has rivaled that of any country we have been to. Thank you to everyone we have met along the way, all of our lecturers, the staff at Darley, and the people kind enough to help us on our placements. Tammy Masterson has done a phenomenal job of organizing us (not always an easy task!) and we are grateful to her for so much.

Goodbye America!

See you in Australia,

Billy & Sorrel

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