'A whirlwind of experience, learning, and inspiration' - Megan Bulbulia on her Godolphin Flying Start experience

Our latest Godolphin Flying Start blog comes from Megan Bulbulia, from Kildare. Having graduated from Trinity College Dublin in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Bulbulia had previously worked at Goffs as a bid spotter and assistant to the auctioneer, as well as riding out for Jessica Harrington. 

The month of April has been full of some extremely unique experiences for myself and my classmates on the Godolphin Flying Start programme. 

As a Godolphin Flying Start trainee, each month brings a new chapter of learning and exposure to the global thoroughbred industry, but April in Kentucky has felt particularly special. We have enjoyed a blend of hands-on experience, education, and unforgettable moments at the heart of American racing. 

From the buzz of racing at Keeneland to long nights on foal watch, April has been very busy, and the first weekend of May brought even more excitement, as Godolphin scored an impressive international Group 1 quaddie!

Our mornings throughout the month have been spent immersed in rotations at some of Kentucky’s most iconic stud farms and training centres. Whether foaling mares, shadowing trainers, or assisting in the breeding shed, every day has brought new learnings. Gaining hands on experience with legends of the industry has been inspiring and educational. We are all truly grateful to those who opened their doors and shared their knowledge, offering us valuable insights into their line of work.

Afternoons have been equally engaging, filled with interesting visits and meetings with industry leaders, professionals, and alumni. These sessions have equipped our class with knowledge and perspective into the challenges and innovations shaping our industry today. In particular, in America, the subjects of racing surfaces, breakdowns and wearable sensors on thoroughbreds has repeatedly been shown to be an area of intense study and improvement. 

Seeing how the sport has evolved and adjusted in the space of a few years shows the dedication and commitment of so many industry stakeholders to improve the sustainability of American racing.

The Flying Start team enjoyed the huge success of Godolphin at Churchill DownsCredit: Megan Bulbulia

Attending racing in the US has provided me with some of the most vibrant, exciting and memorable days racing. Whether it was shadowing stewards at Turfway Park, overseeing the post-race test barns, being paddock judges for the day at Keeneland, or being lucky enough to be in the winner’s circle with Good Cheer and Sovereignty at the Kentucky Oaks and Derby, we have seen a broad range of racing operations here in America, and we have felt extremely welcomed every step of the way.

Keeneland was a special race meeting. Seeing how busy and energetic the American crowds are, dressed up to the nines in all sorts of attire, and truly passionate about every race, has been very refreshing. Something that really struck me was the large volume of younger people in attendance. Whether it was a damp Wednesday or a sunny Saturday there would be an abundance of university students enjoying the day out.

The spring meet at Keeneland seemed to be over before we knew it, and we found ourselves at the Kentucky Derby draw at Churchill Downs (thanks to the presence of three Godolphin horses in the Oaks and Derby). This was a truly unique experience where we were fortunate enough to sit among connections of contenders for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. 

We were lucky enough to attend both days of racing at Churchill Downs a week later, and the thrill of being part of team Godolphin during a historic weekend is something we are all extremely grateful for. Cheering home Good Cheer and Sovereignty in the Oaks and Derby is a memory none of us will ever forget, and it may have left some trainees with fairly croaky voices!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of experience, learning, and inspiration, exactly what Godolphin Flying Start is all about. We were also fortunate enough to attend the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses conference, which enabled us to meet with global industry stakeholders and discuss the ever important topic of life after racing. Seeing facilities such as New Vocations and the Secretariat Centre which retrain and rehome an impressive number of thoroughbreds has been very inspiring, and it shows the finish line can be just the beginning for so many racehorses.

The finish line for my class of Godolphin Flying Start trainees is luckily not in sight yet, as we have a couple more months in America, before we spend six months in Australia, a brief stint in Dubai, and return to Europe early in 2026. 

With 14 months left on the programme, I hope every month is as eventful and educational as April has been, but it may be a hard one to beat!

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