Course News November 22nd – December 4th 2009
First Year Trainees
During this period the first year trainees visited Godolphin, the Newmarket Equine Hospital and the two Newmarket racecourses. The visit to Godolphin enabled the group to experience the world class facilities at Sheikh Mohammed’s Newmarket training stable. Hosted by Diana Cooper, they discussed many different aspects of the organization, how it operates worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed’s philosophy and his sportsmanlike approach to racing. There were questions from everyone in the group and Diana gave comprehensive answers to them over a hot chocolate in the tack room at Stanley House.
At the Newmarket Equine Hospital they were given a tour of the state of the art facilities by James Crowhurst MRCVS. Half of the group then scrubbed up to see an arthroscopic surgery taking place while the other six got to see a number of horses being x-rayed during which they discussed endoscopy and other veterinary procedures that are carried out at the hospital.
Michael Prosser hosted the trainees on a tour of the Rowley Mile and July racecourses. He was generous with his time and expertise and explained the differents soil types that make Newmarket almost unique among the racecourses of the world. For many of the group it was their first time to visit the scenic July course. Here they were shown the stands, the stage where the Newmarket Nights concerts take place and the recent renovations to the course. At the Rowley Mile track they had a questions and answers session over tea with Michael Prosser.
Darley Flying Start graduate Ed Sackville gave the trainees a talk on his role in the industry as a bloodtock agent. After a brief synopsis of his background he explained how he works at a sale, the pre-sales research he carries out, and the pros and cons of buying particular horses. He also explained non-sales work such as private sales and valuations. The trainees found his practical advice very useful for the young, aspiring bloodstock agent. Other lectures included an overview of Darley marketing with Tania Henry-May, International Horse Transport with James McEwan and a talk on his role in the British Horseracing Authority by James Oldring. Also, they completed a two day Business and Financial Planning module with Fiona Hawkins of James Cowper LLP.
Second Year Trainees
The second year trainees completed their four week work placements on December 2nd and returned to Darley, Kelvinside for the final two weeks of the Australia phase of the course. They assisted in the hosting of a delegation of Chinese horse owners who were invited by Darley to visit Australia. Each trainee gave a presentation on a specific thoroughbred industry topic and co-hosted a meal at which they interacted with the guests. The trainees will be graded on their scripts, handouts, presentation delivery and their overall communication skills.