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Course News May 3rd – 9th, 2010

First Year Trainees

With the excitement and celebrations of the Oaks and the Derby over, it was time for some farm visits and lectures this week for the first year trainees. They visited Overbrook Farm where they saw the stallions, including the legendary Storm Cat. At Gainesway Farm they met with Michael Hernon and discussed the stallions and dominant sire lines with him, as well as some other current industry topics.

They had a talk with Dr. Nancy Brennan on racing injuries and therapies which focused on healing practices and the latest products and their uses. Following on from this Dr. Rathgeber lectured the group on Equine medications, the reasons for their use and the protocol for their administration. Ray Paulick met the group for an interesting discussion on the current issues in American racing and Mike Levy spoke to them about Equine Insurance followed by a discussion on the industry in general. A talk with Dr. Naoya Yoshida provided information about the Japanese Racing industry facts and figures as well as some pointers on the social and business etiquette in Japan.

They had their final Equine Nutrition exam at the University of Kentucky, bringing the module to a conclusion.

Second Year Trainees

The second year trainees are on work placement in Ireland, France, Japan and the UK for the month of May. The volcanic ash cloud caused a few last minute changes to the travel plans for the seven trainees bound for the UK but eventually they all reached their placement locations by ferry and train rather than by air! Despite the delays, they still made it to Newmarket in time to cheer Special Duty and Makfi home in the 1,000 and 2,000 guineas respectively. Melanie Sauer was lucky enough to be starting her placement the next day with Makfi’s trainer, Mikel Delzangles in France.

This will be the second year’s final work placement of the programme. On their return to Ireland they will be working hard on their business plans for the last month of the course before graduating on July 3rd.