Flying Start Trainees Begin Two-Year Program

The 2020-2022 Godolphin Flying Start trainees arrived at Kildangan Stud on Monday, August 17, to commence their two-year scholarship within the Thoroughbred industry. The first two weeks of the course took place remotely while trainees travelling from overseas completed their 14 days quarantine, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

This week marked the first occasion when all twelve trainees, made up of six men and six women representing Australia, France, Ireland, the UK and the USA, were able to meet in person and with members of the Godolphin Flying Start management team. The team have completed ICT and Communications training and begun their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at UCD (University College Dublin) online.

Trainees shall also complete a short course at RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) before commencing practical work rotations at Kildangan Stud with the yearlings. In addition, the coming weeks shall include various lectures and visits with industry professionals who have very kindly agreed to give up their time.

Godolphin Flying Start Executive Director, Clodagh Kavanagh, said;

"We are delighted to be able to welcome twelve new trainees to Kildangan for the start of their two-year education in the Thoroughbred industry. It is fantastic that we have been able stick to our timetable despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are incredibly grateful to all of our partners who have helped to make this happen. They are an enthusiastic and talented team of trainees and we are looking forward to the next two years."

There are three trainees from the USA on this year's course including Samantha Bussanich from New Jersey, who said: "Applying to the Godolphin Flying Start program has been a goal of mine since I was in the 8th grade. I could not be more delighted to have been chosen as one of the twelve trainees to receive this scholarship. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the opportunities available and learning from industry professionals around the world."

The 2020-2022 trainees are:

George Broughton, UK

Samantha Bussanich, USA

Devon Dougherty, USA

Solène Hudbert, France

Thomas Lyon-Smith, UK

Donncha McCarthy, Ireland

Erin McLaughlin, USA

Marine Moussa, France

Brigitte Murphy, Ireland

Tom Murphy, Ireland

Angus Robertson, Australia

David Skelly, Ireland

For more information on Godolphin Flying Start and the application process please visit: www.godolphinflyingstart.com