Course News November 2007

The Flying Start trainees rounded off their four week placements in New Zealand in October with a dinner held in Hamilton which was attended by industry leaders, journalists, Darley’s Henry Plumptre and Fran Khan representing Darley Flying Start.

On arriving back in Sydney the trainees completed their Leadership module at Sydney University Business School which concluded with presentations and a final project based on a world leader. The course was expertly delivered by David Grant and he facilitated the group in recognising their own leadership qualities and how best to use them in their careers. The trainees had meetings with Vin Cox, Neville Begg and Peter V’Landys while in Sydney.

Then it was off to Melbourne for the carnival which was greatly appreciated by the racing–starved trainees. They also had the opportunity to visit the Darley Victoria operation and meet the manager, vets and architect involved in setting up that farm. John Cameron welcomed them to the spectacular Moonee Valley racetrack and gave of his time generously providing discussion over a delicious lunch. What an opportunity Flying Start allows to go from New Zealand to Sydney to Melbourne meeting industry leaders and seeing top class facilities in three weeks!

More recently the trainees have been working mornings at Darley and visiting the main operations in the Hunter Valley, where stud and stable owners have opened their doors and shared their views with the group. They have been attending Equine Nursing lectures at TAFE in Scone, covering topics from Care of the Sick Foal to Radiography. Darleys Olly Tait and Henry Plumptre along with Darley Flying Start coordinator Fran Khan have been tireless in their efforts to ensure that the trainees see as much as possible of the Australian industry before they leave on December 13th.

In the UK, first years Liam Howley from Melbourne, Jason Walsh from Perth and Andrew Williams from New Zealand were introduced to the best steeplechase racing in the world at Cheltenham where they also encountered the coldest weather they had ever experienced! They have been busy learning hands-on in the Darley nominations, racing and marketing offices, British Racing School and at the Darley pre-training centre.

The introductory modules in Law and Insurance have been completed by the group as well as industry presentations and visits to stables, studs and Newmarket training grounds.
The recruitment drive for the 2008 trainees is starting in earnest with our first advertisements appearing before Christmas and many more in January asking interested candidates to apply before the deadline of February 22nd 2008.

 

Clodagh Kavanagh