Clodagh Kavanagh, Manager, Darley Flying Start
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 worked her way up to the position of General Manager. Her responsibilities included strategic planning and delivery of continuous professional development modules for jockeys and trainers and working with the project team on the construction of a €2m equestrian facility at R.A.C.E. in 2003. She also directed the planning, design and implemented management of the JRA Groom’s School, Hokkaido. During the same ten-year period, Clodagh 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 Mohammed’s vision of creating a management training programme to recruit and develop the “Future Leaders of the Thoroughbred Industry”. Selected trainees follow a challenging two year curriculum through Ireland, UK, USA, Australia and Dubai. Clodaghs work centres around maintaining the standard and relevance of the syllabus as well as coaching and mentoring the trainees. She manages the recruitment and marketing of the programme and guides a team of coordinators who implement the program locally.