Course News, July 2006
Darley Flying Start graduation in Newmarket
Twelve Darley Flying Start trainees graduated on Friday 14th July, 2006 at a ceremony at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket.
The graduates, who have completed two years of study in Ireland, America, Australia, Dubai and the UK, were presented with certificates by Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony in front of 150 guests from the racing and breeding world.
Darley Flying Start programme manager Clodagh Kavanagh said: ‘The original idea was that of Sheikh Mohammed and the initial groundwork for the course was undertaken by Kildangan Stud, Managing Director Joe Osborne and Diana Cooper of Godolphin.” Clodagh explained that she joined the team in 2003 in preparation for the first intake of students and the course has since gone from strength to strength.
The programme itself is a combination of formal courses, lectures from leading industry figures and practical experience in a range of areas including stud work, racing, veterinary and bloodstock. Clodagh said, “We try to ensure the course is challenging, and that the students have the opportunity to develop their own potential”. Clodagh acknowledged the great support the programme has received from its four trustees, the management and staff at Darley, prominent industry figures and in particular Sheikh Mohammed who’s personal vision prompted its inception.
Rishi Persad of the BBC racing team was MC for the evening, introducing graduates Kate McMahon and Matthew Coleman who spoke on behalf of their fellow students. When Matthew was asked to choose his best moment of the course, Makybe Diva’s Melbourne Cup victory came out on top. Kate McMahon added that the time spent in Dubai was a fantastic experience, mainly due to the emphasis on racing and the international carnival. Of course watching Frankie Dettori claim Dubai World Cup victory for Godolphin on board Electrocutionist was a particularly special moment for all the trainees.
When asked what advice they would give to those considering applying for the programme in future years, “passion for the industry” and “the ability to be open minded” were considered the most important qualities. “Flying Start has changed our lives, all twelve of us” said Matthew who also thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his “generosity and foresight in starting the programme.”
Prior to the presentation of certificates Tattersalls Chairman, Edmond Mahony commented on how the course had “blossomed from small beginnings” and conveyed his thanks to Sheikh Mohammed “for putting his huge resources into Flying Start, in particular his time.” He noted that the course is a fantastic opportunity for young, ambitious horsemen and women and commented that “it allows them to fit in, in two years what would take others ten.”
In conclusion he recognized the contribution of Darley Flying Start trustee, Michael Osborne who sadly passed away in December, 2005. He said “Michael Osborne was without doubt a pioneer of education in this industry; he is owed a great debt of gratitude.”
Other guests attending this year’s ceremony included – Chris Brand, CEO of the British Horseracing Board; Dubai based trainer Erwan Charpy; Michael O’Hagan, General Manager of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Clifford Barry, Manager of Kentucky based Pin Oak Stud.
The graduates of the 2004 – 2006 Darley Flying Start course are:
- Ajay Anne (India)
- Matthew Coleman (UK)
- Andrew Fuller (UK)
- Gary Hadden (Ireland)
- Ben Haslam (UK)
- Eoin Kelly (Northern Ireland)
- Gillian Martin-Smith (Ireland)
- Kate McMahon (USA)
- Kevin Sommerville (South Africa)
- Brianne Stanley (USA)
- Victoria Tremlett (UK)
- Brent Wilson (USA)
2006 Darley Flying Start graduates.Larger image
Gillian Martin-Smith and Michael O'Hagan ITM. Larger image
Darley Flying Start Manager, Clodagh Kavanagh
Kate McMahon, Matt Coleman and Rishi Persad. Larger image
Edmond Mahony presents Brent Wilson with his Darley Flying Start certificate.