'Learning a new trade in breaking and pre-training yearlings has been valuable'

Our latest Godolphin Flying Start blog comes from Jamie Smith, from Lancashire. A Durham University graduate, he has stud experience, has worked on the syndication of racehorses and more recently spent time with a North Yorkshire trainer. He is seeking to enhance his horsemanship and leadership skills to establish a successful career in the thoroughbred industry.

I hail from a varied background of experience, despite this being dominated by cricket in my earlier life. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to graduate from the National Stud with a Stud Management Diploma, and more recently spent time working with trainer Nigel Tinkler of Woodland Stables, Malton.

The first phase of my Godolphin Flying Start journey has been nothing short of breathtaking, and time has seemed to completely fly by. An absorbing ten weeks has given us some great opportunities to learn the great Irish culture, incredible racing, as well as a handful of equine anatomy assignment.

Learning a new trade in breaking and pre-training yearlings has been a valuable experience for me personally. Not only working with top-class pedigrees, but with great horsemen in the yard has given me a great insight into preparing a potential champion for the next steps of their career.

Thanks again to the amazing staff here at Kildangan, for giving exposure to many new ways to educate yearlings and I look forward to seeing their progress on the track in the coming years.

The racing calendar has been incredible since arriving in Ireland, and Irish Champions weekend proved exactly how impressive and prestigious Irish racing is. Victories in the Champion Stakes and the Flying Five respectively from Luxembourg and Highfield Princess were the standout performances in my opinion.

A childhood dream of attending one of the world’s greatest races in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was also achieved – and that did not disappoint, especially with the UK-trained Alpinista taking the big one.

On our visit to France, we were lucky enough to have a tour of Chantilly’s racing facilities, which opened my eyes as to how fantastic the French industry is and the opportunities available there. A special thanks to Godolphin Flying Start graduates and trainers, Francis-Henri Graffard and Tim Donworth, as well as Andre Fabre for fantastic tours of their yards on such a busy weekend for French racing.

Another fantastic experience was working the Goffs Orby Sale for Baroda Stud. This is Ireland’s premier yearling sale in the calendar, and it was great to see some amazing horses pass through the ring and meet some of the industry’s top professionals.

Working for one of Europe’s best sales consignments was an absolute pleasure and I would like to thank David Cox for sharing his knowledge and experience throughout the week.

The dynamic dozen students on Godolphin Flying StartCredit: Jamie Smith/Godolphin Flying Start

And last, but of course not least, getting to know the 11 other trainees on the course each day. Every person in the group has their own incredible qualities, but all possess kindness and a willingness to learn.

I am excited to spend the next 20 months with this team and I look forward to seeing them progress throughout this amazing journey. I am sure they will all drive successful futures and make a positive impact on this industry we all love.

As the first Irish phase closes, we have just completed our conference assignment, where we delivered a presentation with new, strategic plans to help improve the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. This was a great experience for the group to try and help the process of such a prestigious awards night, and a solid learning curve in public speaking too!

I now look forward to the second phase held in the familiar surroundings of Newmarket. This will be a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of the UK racing and bloodstock industry as well as attending the Tattersalls foal sales, where I will hopefully be spotting future champions!

Files from the past

James Keane

Marcus Bird

Lachlan Pethica

Henry Morshead

Taylor Owens

Angus Robertson

Erin McLaughlin

Solene Hudbert

Caitlin Smith