'Chance to work and learn from Annabel is where Flying Start comes into its own'

Our latest Godolphin Flying Start blog comes from Jessica Daw, from the UK. Her previous experiences in the industry include as travelling head girl to Ed Walker and the BHA Graduate Development Programme, while a highlight of Flying Start to this point was her externship at Brad Cox Racing in Keeneland. A career as a trainer is what she is working towards.

Australia has me sold. There is something about the industry over here that feels different, it’s vibrant, progressive and, more than that, it has so many opportunities to offer.

We’ve all had an amazing time so far in Australia. Without question, one of the many highlights has been the amount of racedays we have been fortunate enough to attend.

There was a steady build up of racing throughout the spring carnival and we were able to go to Randwick and Rosehill regularly, including for The TAB Everest, which was a great example of the raceday experience done well. But this was a warm-up in comparison to the main event; the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The week before, we went to the Manikato Stakes, which was unfortunately called off due to some fairly serious lightning at Moonee Valley. The day that followed, however, more than made up for it. It was Cox Plate day and seeing Anamoe win his seventh Group 1 certainly made it a day to remember.

In the interim week we returned to the Hunter Valley to prepare our conference. The theme of the Australian Conference was based on creating change through grassroots initiatives. We were tasked with three briefs from the TBA, Scone Race Club and the recently launched Kick Up, which my own team worked on.

Kick Up has been created by Flying Start alumnus Vicky Leonard. The premise is to counteract the negative publicity given out by anti-racing protesters with rational, research-backed information aimed at providing those who are undecided about racing to become more engaged, and answer any concerns they may have about the ethical aspects of horseracing.

Flying Start students with Zoustar at Widden Stud and Eathan LeonardCredit: Jessica Daw

It is a brilliant initiative, one that has taken off on social media and is a great example of something that could be carried over to the UK.

Our week in Melbourne began on Derby day; dressed in the required monotone attire, we had the privilege to see yet another Godolphin winner with In Secret winning the Coolmore Stakes.

Utilising the time in between racedays, we visited a number of farms and trainers located in Victoria, including Northwood, where the Darley Stallions are based, Yulong, a particularly impressive farm, and met with trainer Mick Price, who was generous in his advice for those of us wishing to train in the future.

Melbourne Cup day itself was a spectacle. Somewhat let down by the weather (and here I was thinking I’d escaped the rain), we still had the full experience of the race that is so embedded in the culture of Australia. The week culminated with the Oaks and Champions day, in which Zaaki caused an upset in the Champion Stakes with his victory over Anamoe.

This is where my loyalties were split, as following the Cup Carnival I began my externship with Zaaki’s trainer, Annabel Neasham. With her incredible success over the past few years, strong work ethic and brilliant team, the opportunity to work and learn from Annabel is where the Flying Start comes into its own.

If the past couple of weeks are anything to go by, this truly is an invaluable opportunity for me; gaining first-hand experience of training in Australia and covering all aspects of the operation.

Our time in Australia is racing by, the build-up to the Magic Millions Yearling Sale has begun, which marks our final month, before heading to our study tour in Dubai. But with everything there is on offer here, I am in no doubt that I will be back sooner rather than later.

The ex-Files

Jamie Smith

James Keane

Marcus Bird

Lachlan Pethica

Henry Morshead

Taylor Owens

Angus Robertson

Erin McLaughlin

Solene Hudbert

Caitlin Smith