Darley Flying Start masthead

Darley Flying Start Graduation 2009

The 2009 Darley Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the impressive new Dalham Hall Stud office, Newmarket, on the evening of Friday July 10th.

Darley Flying Start graduating class of 2009

Back row, L to R: Cathal Beale, Darren Fox, Ian Tapp, Kyle Wilson, Jason Walsh, Michael Flanagan, James McHale, Liam Howley, Andrew Wilson
Front row: Jana Kroutilikova, Leif Aaron, Jordyn Brand

 

Invited guests included the parents of the graduating class, DISP Board members, Darley management and thoroughbred industry leaders who have supported the Darley Flying Start trainees throughout their two years on the programme.

M.C. for the evening, BBC presenter Rishi Persad, opened proceedings by congratulating the twelve trainees on their achievements during the two years and wishing them well with their future careers. Darley Director Joe Osborne then addressed the audience, complimenting the trainee group on their achievements during the course. He extended his gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed for his vision in creating the Darley Flying Start scholarship. He commended HH Sheikh Mohammed for his support of education and training as the key to success.

Fifty-nine graduates to date have benefited from this learning experience and all of them are currently employed in the thoroughbred industry around the world. Darley Flying Start Manager, Clodagh Kavanagh, spoke about the importance of thoroughbred industry support to the programme. She thanked the many industry figures who provide work placements to Darley Flying Start trainees and stated that the trainees gain the most valuable experience of the course during these placements.

Guests at the ceremony included Sir Michael Stoute (trainer), Chris Richardson (Cheveley Park) Des Leadon (Irish Equine Centre), Dermot and Meta Cantillon (Forenaghts Stud) Michael O’Hagan (Irish Thoroughbred Marketing), Eimear Mulhern (Goffs), Edmond Mahony (Tattersalls & Darley Flying Start trustee), Luke Lillington (bloodstock agent), Rick Nunnelly (Skofirm, Kentucky) and Emma Ridley (Darley Australia).

Kyle Wilson and Jason Walsh spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Kyle spoke enthusiastically of his time on the course and of the many friends, contacts and wonderful opportunities he and his fellow trainees had gained over the two years. Jason paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed and described the privilege of meeting him in Dubai as, ‘an unforgettable experience, he was truly inspirational’. British representative James McHale achieved the highest overall grade on the programme. James plans to set up his own bloodstock investment company based on his Darley Flying Start business plan, the concluding assignment of the course. Australian Liam Howley will also be employed in the UK. He will commence his role as assistant to Angus Gold of Shadwell Stud in the coming weeks. Cathal Beale, Michael Flanagan and Darren Fox were the three Irish representatives on the programme. Cathal will work at Forenaghts Stud with Dermot Cantillon before taking up a position with Gerry Dilger at Dromoland Farm, Kentucky in January of next year. Michael will assist Peter Doyle Bloodstock during the sales season before travelling to South Africa to work with Mike de Kock, trainer. Darren has secured a job in the nominations department of Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky.

The next intake of trainees represent seven nationalities and will commence the 2009 - 2011 course at Kildangan Stud on Monday 17th August.