Course News, October 2006

Now that autumn approaches in Ireland with frosty mornings and bright days it can mean only one thing to the first year group of trainees – getting up before dawn to break horses and the looming spectre of the Darley Flying Start conference at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The group have settled well and made Ireland their home from home, quite a feat when you consider they hail from eight different nations!

From the early days of farm visits and the Communications course, the pace was stepped up by the trainees as they started the Equine Reproduction, Anatomy and Physiology module at University College Dublin, numerous Pedigree workshops and a Statistics module. They also spent six days at the Goffs Million sale evaluating yearlings with some of the best trainers, bloodstock agents and managers in the business. Racing at the Curragh, Leopardstown and Longchamp means they have seen the finest fillies and colts perform at Group level in Europe this year. What a whirlwind beginning to their two years on Darley Flying Start!

Socially, we managed to fit in a trip to the beautiful Kilkenny city on All Ireland Hurling final day to visit the magnificent castle and watch the match – Kilkenny won and we joined in the celebrations! A trip to the majestic Gaeity Theatre just off St Stephens Green in Dublin City to see the hit show “Stones in His Pockets” had us all in stitches the night before the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. We were joined by the Canadian and Brazilian Ambassadors and representatives from the US, UK and French embassies for our annual Ambassadors lunch held in Kildangan House. Also present were Mary Whelan from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, Michael O’Hagan from Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Brian Kavanagh from Horse Racing Ireland and Alan Dukes from the Institute of European Affairs, as well as Kildangan Stud management.

The second years, by now seasoned travelers, arrived in the Hunter Valley on August 14th It was their first experience of the “Stallion Show” weekend in late August which is particular to the Hunter Valley, and it made a huge impression on them. When I visited in September I was delighted to hear the positive feedback from the farm management and staff as to how the trainees had contributed to the day to day life and practical work on the farm. The trainees themselves had nothing but praise for their wonderful new home in the heart of the Australian breeding industry. They have also been welcomed at Scone racetrack, SVH, TAFE and the leading stud farms in the Hunter and Widden valleys.

At the end of September they went to Sydney for a week of top class racing and industry visits during the spring carnival. They saw the phenomenal “Racing to Win” cruise to victory in the Group 1 George Main stakes and their appetite for the Australian industry has definitely been whetted by the many industry leaders who generously gave them their time during the week. Gai Waterhouse was the perfect host for a stable tour and lunch, as was Reg Inglis of Inglis Sales, and not forgetting the great welcome the group received from trainers Tim Martin and Guy Walter. The racing administration bodies of the AJC, Racing NSW and STC also opened their doors to the trainees who were impressed by the professional presentations they received.

Now, they are settled back into life at Darley again. Olly Tait, the farm and office personnel and the Flying Start coordinators in Darley have ensured the trainees have had a wonderful start to their journey into Australian racing and breeding. Long may it continue.

Clodagh Kavanagh

 

Andrew Birch (NZ), first year trainee:

“The Darley Flying Start Course is proving both enjoyable and challenging. Ireland is a fantastic place to commence the program, being a centre-piece of thoroughbred excellence and we’ve been warmly received by the locals.
Highlights to date include a visit to Paris for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; meeting legendary Irish Trainer, John Oxx; and visiting the Irish National Stud, current residence of 1993 Melbourne Cup winner, Vintage Crop”

Craig Rounsefell (Australia), second year trainee:

“Another classic week on Flying Start was experienced in Sydney meeting with prominent trainers, racing administrators and many other industry leaders while getting the opportunity to view some exciting Group 1 racing.”

 

The 2006 Ambassadors' group outside the beautiful Kildangan House.
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Liz Pathak chats to the Canadian Ambassador, Mr Christopher Westdal and his wife, Ms. Sheila Hayes.

 

Alex Elliott and Gina Bryce greet the UK Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Touran Reddaway.
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Eden Harrington chats with Michael O'Hagan, MD, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.

 

Fabricio Buffolo in discussion with Brazilian Ambassado,r Mr Stelio
Marcos Amarante.

 

The Ambassadors' group view leading sire, Kings Best.
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Andrew Birch leads one his yearlings.
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