Godolphin Flying Start scheme held remotely due to coronavirus challenges

The UK phase of the Godolphin Flying Start scheme will take place remotely due to the challenges resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, meaning trainees will remain in Ireland for the time being.

The first-year-trainees, who would normally have arrived in Newmarket to complete the UK phase of the course, will continue to study online. This part of the programme includes bloodstock insurance, racing administration, nominations sales, marketing, HR, racing and veterinary management.

Practical experience with yearlings will continue in addition to exercising racehorses at the Racing Academy and Centre for Education for a two-week course. It is hoped the students will be able to spend time in Newmarket later on in the programme.

The UK-based Godolphin Flying Start co-ordinator, Bethan Byrne, along with Tommy Lyon-Smith and George Broughton are responsible for the running of the virtual phase.

Broughton said: “We’re incredibly excited that our UK phase of the Godolphin Flying Start is able to go ahead virtually. Being able to speak to and learn from leaders of the UK industry whilst immersing ourselves in British racing remotely is an amazing opportunity.

"A huge thank you must go to all the team at Flying Start and Godolphin for making this possible in what are extremely challenging times.”

The second-year trainees in Australia have continued the course and have completed practical rotations in Scone, New South Wales, as well as visiting some of the leading stud farms in the area.

Director of Godolphin Flying Start Clodagh Kavanagh said: “It has been important for us to be reactive to the ever-changing environment presented by Covid-19, but it brings me great satisfaction that, despite the challenges, the groups of trainees in both Australia and Ireland have adapted well and have been able to achieve many of the same learning outcomes as previous year groups.”

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