Darley Flying Start General Manager,
Clodagh Kavanagh B.Agr.Sc
Clodagh’s career in the thoroughbred industry stemmed from her early introduction to horses on the hunting field and pony club. Having graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, she set about learning from the best in the business worldwide.
Initially preparing yearlings for sales with Eaton-Williams in Kentucky she then moved to consignors Segenhoe Stud in Australia and Ballysheehan Stud in Ireland. A formative year was spent in Australia as a work rider for the legendry trainer Colin Hayes at Lindsay Park, Flemington and Randwick. She gained experience of stud management with Moyglare, Airlie and Derrinstown Studs in Ireland and Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand.
In 1993 she joined the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, Kildare, and rose to the position of General Manager. Her Racing Academy remit was wide ranging and complex; from budgeting through to marketing and public relations, including strategic planning and delivery of continuous professional development modules for jockeys and trainers. Other responsibilities included the planning, design and implemented management of the JRA Groom’s School, Hokkaido, Japan (1999-2002) and working with the project team on construction of €2m equestrian facility at R.A.C.E. in 2003. During the same ten-year period, Clodagh also served as a part-time Racing Official with Irish Turf Club.
When Clodagh took on the role of Darley Flying Start Course General Manager in 2003 she was motivated by Sheikh Mohammeds vision of creating a management training programme to recruit and develop the “New Leaders of the Thoroughbred Industry”. With the support of the trustees of Darley Flying Start and a global team of coordinators to implement the programme locally the aim is to fulfill Sheikh Mohammed’s vision.