INDUSTRY leaders, family and friends of the 26 students on this year’s Thoroughbred Breeding Course at the Irish National Stud gathered on Friday last to celebrate their completion of the six-month programme and to witness the prize-giving ceremony.

The first Thoroughbred Breeding Course was in 1971 and today it remains one of the most prestigious in the world. The aim of the course is to educate young people for a career in the thoroughbred industry.

Speaking before the ceremony, CEO John Osborne said of this year’s class: “They are an exceptional group of students and we hope that their six months here will be a springboard towards success in their future careers within the industry.” Osborne was introduced by the INS chairman Matt Dempsey who paid wholesome tribute to the CEO, who added that of all the activities carried out at the INS, the management course is a highlight.

John Osborne presented each student with their graduation certificate for completing the six-month course. In addition, awards were given to the highest achieving students. The Gold Medal went to Tom Evetts from near Cheltenham who demonstrated an outstanding performance in all aspects of the course. In addition he was also selected for the John Durkan Opportunity award, which is presented by the Class of 1984. This award is given to a student who has shown an interest in pursuing a career in training racehorses. John’s sister Margaret Durkan presented Tom with the award. Tom is joining Jim Bolger.

The Silver Medal was awarded to Kate Curran who showed great determination and dedication throughout her time on the course. Further accolades included the award for veterinary to Joe Callan, the highest score for the written examination to Chloe Pitts, the best written assignments award to Charlie Dee, and the continuous assessment award to Sarah McCrory.

Leo Powell, editor of The Irish Field, also presented an award to the writer of a piece on blue hen broodmares and that was given to Chloe Pitts whose piece features elsewhere in this week’s paper.

The 2016 graduates came from every corner of the thoroughbred world. From Britain, Australia, New Zealand and America were Emma Beazley, Kate Curran, Charlie Dee, Alice Edgar, Tom Evetts, Hannah Mee, Chloe Pitts, Courtney Schneider and Nicholas Wheeler. From Hungary and the Czech Republic came Livia Prem and Jakub Vitek respectively, and they all joined Irish students Basil Brindley, Joseph Callan, Danny Collins, Michéal Conaghan, Cathal Gorman, Stephen Greene, David Hannigan, Jerry Horan, Joann Lyons, Clare Manning, Amy Marnane, Alex McCarthy, Sarah McCrory, Shane Power and Shelley Rapoport.

Many of the graduates have already secured employment in various positions in stud and bloodstock operations around the world.

Sally Rapoport and Tom Evetts spoke about their experience on the course and paid tribute to Sally Carroll, John Osborne and all who helped them on their way. Many industry professionals give of their time to lecture the students and their input was acknowledged.

Among the many guests at the ceremony were the Turf Club Senior Steward Meta Osborne, Jim and Jackie Bolger, Willie and Amanda McCreery, Susan Foley Archdeacon, Joe Osborne, Clodagh Kavanagh, Tom Ryan of Naas racecourse, Gerry Duffy, Kevin O’Ryan, John Tuthill, Noel O’Brien, Sarah McNicholas, Michael McElhone and Dr Marianne Klay.

A hugely enjoyable occasion was brought to a close when one of the students, Amy Marnane, sang Caledonia, resulting in a well-deserved standing ovation.