Diploma students arrive at National Stud in Newmarket for start of course

The class of 2019 for the Diploma in Stud Practice and Management at the National Stud have arrived in Newmarket to start the course.

There are 24 students, most hailing from Britain and Ireland but with a number from France, Italy and Poland. Their ages range from 18 to 51.

Those undertaking the diploma this year are Kim Blyth, Martina Busano, Jason Deaves, Sally Evans, Jessica Farrow, Chloe Fletcher, Mickael Gantelet, Lauren Greer, Callum Helliwell, Ewelina Kabat, Alison Lynch, Zoe MacGillivray, Milena Majchrzyk, Noah Mitchell-McCain, Daniel Mulhaire, Amber Rice, Oisin Reilly, Joe Robinson, Madeline Smith, Jack Spain, Luke Strong, Jack Walker, Rosie Wharton and Hope Williams.

The course, which has been running for more than 30 years, aims to educate students for a career in the thoroughbred industry. It runs for 22 weeks from mid-January to the end of June.

The Diploma includes practical stud work and an evening lecture programme with the chance to attend a significant number of seminars and practical workshops with industry experts. Successful students gain accredited Level 3 thoroughbred qualifications.

National Stud director Tim Lane said: “The practical opportunities and access to industry figures the Diploma students get during the course is, I believe, equivalent to about three years of work in normal circumstances.

“For those making the move to thoroughbred work from other disciplines this is really fundamental as it gives them such an important leg-up into the industry.”

Previous graduates include Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Lord Grimthorpe, Classic-winning trainer Ed Dunlop and Shadwell racing manager Angus Gold.

National Stud training director Tabbi Smith said: “Each year of the Diploma brings a diverse and interesting group of people to the stud and to the industry.

“What marks a Diploma graduate out is their passion for the industry, a commitment to learning while with us and their dedication to the horses in their care for the rest of their careers.”

While the 2019 Diploma is under way, recruitment for the 2020 course has already begun. Places tend to fill fast, so early application is encouraged.

Meanwhile the second cohort of trainees for E2SE – the National Stud's course that aims to get adults without practical experience into work in the breeding industry – have started their placements.

The students, with the operations they have started work with in brackets, are: Neil Williams (Lanwades), Chris Moore (Lofts Hall), Sam O’Reilly (Aislabie), Andrew Gardiner (Godolphin) and Mark Endersby (Grove Farm Stud).

Also: Emily Unsworth (Cheveley Park), Abbie Scales (Shadwell), Jessica Knight, (Royal Studs), Harley Bunning (Shadwell), Owain Collinson (Fittocks), Adriana Blond (Cheveley Park), Valentina Minatta (Watership Down), Alys Sidaway (Godolphin), Elena Goodwin (Overbury), Liz Smith (Lanwades) and Dawn Summers (tbc).

E2SE has received a major endorsement with one of the graduates from the first intake, Max McLoughlin, nominated for the David Nicholson Newcomer Award at next month's Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

National Stud chairman the Duke of Roxburghe said: “The graduates from the Diploma and the TBA’s E2SE courses are such an important element for the National Stud to be involved with.

“Without quality stud staff none of us are going to be able to see a sustainable future for the breeding industry.

“We are very privileged and excited that the 2019 students will be the first cohort to partake in the Diploma course under the patronage of the Duchess of Cornwall.”

The second-year E2SE students, who are beginning their work placements