In pictures: meet the new class of Godolphin Flying Start students

The latest intake of Godolphin Flying Start trainees arrived at Kildangan Stud on Monday, with the 12-strong group representing seven countries, namely: Argentina, Australia, Britain, France, Ireland, Japan and the US.

The students' first week on the programme was centred around induction training. In addition to a stallion show and tour of Kildangan Stud, they visited Godolphin's Ragusa, Old Connell and Blackhall Studs and had a presentation on Sheikh Mohammed's global bloodstock interests.

Trainees, who had their first taste of Irish racing at the Curragh on Friday evening, will soon commence ICT and Communications training as well as their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at University College Dublin.

During September and October the students will also assist with breaking of yearlings at Kildangan.

Arvin Chadee (left) with Oswald Wedmore and Lowri AllenCredit: John C Cooney

"The opportunity afforded to us by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed through Godolphin Flying Start is an honour and a privilege," said trainee Arvin Chadee from London. "No other industry, let alone sport, has a programme of the same magnitude.

"To be trained, educated and given a chance to experience horseracing across the world with people as passionate, ambitious and who also possess a deep-rooted love for horseracing is truly unique. Godolphin Flying Start will allow us to find our niche and give back to the industry we love."

Irish student Joseph Bradley from County Derry said: "This programme provides such a unique opportunity to experience the industry across various countries and cultures.

"In starting here in Ireland we can display our proud heritage of horseracing and breeding to the many different nationalities represented this year. It's clear from meeting my classmates this week that we have young people who are passionate about our industry globally and that is very exciting"

Irish Godolphin Flying Start trainees: Joseph Bradle, Niamh O’Brien and Emma ColemanCredit: John C Cooney

Julie Witt from New Jersey in the US is another looking forward to the opportunities Godolphin Flying Start has to offer.

"It's an honour to have been selected for the 2019-2021 Godolphin Flying Start class and I'm thankful for everyone who has helped me reach this point as well as the generosity of everyone associated with the program that makes this invaluable opportunity possible," she said.

"I look forward to continuing my education in the industry I love and getting to learn from some of the world's leading professionals, my fellow trainees, and the experiences the course provides."

US Godolphin Flying Start trainees: Julie Witt, Victoria Canessa and Rachel WadeCredit: John C Cooney

Representing the southern hemisphere is Caitlin Smith from Victoria, Australia. Commenting on starting the programme, she said: "Godolphin Flying Start provides enormous opportunities to refine my leadership and strategical thinking capabilities which will be invaluable to my future contribution to the thoroughbred industry.

"I'm looking forward to experiencing all aspects of racing and breeding at an international scale while developing strong global networks, especially during the Australian phase."

Lectures, visits, assignments and practical experience will continue for the ten-week Irish phase of the programme until the end of October when they will travel to Newmarket to commence the British phase of the programme.

The trainees will attend the Goffs yearling sales and racing at the Curragh, Leopardstown and Laytown.

Marie Rohaut is representing FranceCredit: John C Cooney

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