Darley Flying Start Course News July 7th
Darley Flying Start Graduation 2010
The 2010 Darley Flying Start graduation ceremony took place at Kildangan House on the evening of Saturday July 3rd. Invited guests included the parents of the graduating class, 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, Chief Executive of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Michael O’Hagan, 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, praising the trainee group on their achievements during the course and imparting some information on the local history of Kildangan Stud and its environs. He extended his gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed for his vision in creating the Darley Flying Start scholarship and conveyed His Highness’ personal message of best wishes and congratulations to the graduates. Seventy one 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 and the role of the graduates in providing an industry network, especially in emerging racing nations. She urges the graduating trainees to continue to set high standards and fulfil their potential.
Guests at the ceremony included Jim Bolger (trainer), Pat Downes (Gilltown Stud) Des Leadon (Irish Equine Centre), Dermot and Meta Cantillon (Forenaghts Stud) Leo Powell (The Irish Field), Shane O’Dwyer (Irish Thoroughbred Breeder’s Association), John Osborne (The Irish National Stud), Jim McGrath (Racing Commentator), Dr. Steve Jackson (Bluegrass Equine Nutrition), Graham Ross (Betfair), Tom Ryan (Naas Racecourse) and Amy Swales and Emily Howcroft (York Racecourse).
Jimmy Unwala and Michael Buckley spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Jimmy spoke enthusiastically of his time on the course and of the many friends, contacts and wonderful opportunities he and his fellow trainees had benefited from over the two years. Michael paid tribute to the many key industry figures who supported and educated the group and to HH Sheikh Mohammed for his foresight in creating the programme.
Australian Meagan Jamieson was applauded as the top trainee having achieved the highest overall grade on the programme. Meagan will commence a marketing role with Falcon and Associates in Dubai in the coming weeks.
The next intake of trainees represent six nationalities and will commence the 2010 - 2012 course at Kildangan Stud on Monday, 16th August.