STANDING beside the list of past and present ITBA Next Generation apprentices, it’s clear that new recruits Susan Scott and Darren Flynn have some big shoes to fill.

When the YITBA Apprentice Scheme was first introduced, Mary Kilduff was one of the two successful candidates. Mary is now chairperson of ITBA Next Generation, the new name for the youth wing of the ITBA.

The apprenticeship provides placements within three major industry organisations for each of the apprentices and the contacts and experience gained will hopefully set the two young ITBA members on a path to future success in their chosen careers.

Hailing from Kildare, Darren (18) was born and reared on stud farms. “Horses are in my blood,” he says. “My grandfather was stud groom at Moyglare Stud and I bought my first pony when I was six or seven. I still have him at home! I hunted with the Dublin County and I’ve worked at Derrinstown Stud since completing my Leaving Cert.”

Susan (21) is from Farnagh Stud in Moate, Co Westmeath. Her father Michael was a jockey and trainer, but now manages the stud. Susan has also worked for Coolmore Australia for two seasons, working with mares and foals in her first year and preparing yearlings the following year.

They both begin the first of three placements this month. “My first two placements will be with Forenaghts Stud, then on to Coolmore Stud,” reveals Darren. Susan will be starting at Emerald Bloodstock, before moving on to Punchestown Racecourse.

Mary Kilduff thanked all the employers who support the scheme each year. “We believe Susan and Darren will make excellent ambassadors for the ITBA Next Generation in the coming year.” Explaining the branding change, Mary said: “We want to keep improving all the time, encouraging young people in the industry to get actively involved in the organisation. We are rebranding to bring us in line with our European counterparts.”

As part of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend, ITBA Next Generation is hosting ‘European Young Breeders’ weekend at Leopardstown and the Curragh this weekend. A pre-racing Royal Ascot-style picnic will be staged in the car park of the Curragh on Sunday to launch the new-look organisation and all are welcome.

ITBA NEXT GENERATION

Find us on Facebook and on Twitter @ITBAnextgen