AS we continue our journey on Godolphin Flying Start, the third phase of the programme has bought us to the thoroughbred breeding capital of the world, Lexington, Kentucky. It is here that we will immerse ourselves in a region which lives and breathes racing while gaining experience from some of the most well-respected leaders within the industry.

Despite the chilly conditions, we have received a very warm welcome from the USA Darley/Godolphin team and Lexington community. Our first weeks in Kentucky have provided a real taste of the industry and a foundation for the months to come.

We have visited the Godolphin farms as well as world-renowned studs WinStar, Ashford, Calumet and Airdrie. A highlight for all was the opportunity to meet Ashford’s (Coolmore) Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify. We have also inspected top-quality sires including Medaglia D’Oro, Distorted Humor and More Than Ready.

During our visits, we have had the opportunity to engage with leading stud and business managers who are generous in sharing their insights and experiences which we are all so grateful for.

Early in the phase we attended Keeneland for the January Breeding Stock Sale. We had the opportunity to shadow and learn from international bloodstock agents to further develop our ability to assess conformation and make sound business decisions.

It was a fantastic introduction to the USA phase as it allowed us to meet industry people while getting a handle on the commercial thoroughbred market in North America.

The Flying Start trainees with Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah

Education

Our academic studies have continued as we commenced an Equine Nutrition module at the University of Kentucky. This will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional requirements of the performance horse including how to devise feed rations to optimise performance.

It builds on our knowledge attained from the University College Dublin Anatomy and Physiology module that we completed during the first phase in Ireland. We will have the opportunity to apply our learnings when we engage in practical rotations and externships.

Continuing the academic component, we have completed the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP). ROAP is the official qualification to be eligible to become a racing steward in North America. Regardless of our ambitions, this course has provided us with a well-rounded knowledge of the rules and regulations in the North American racing industry.

The programme has highlighted the discrepancies between international jurisdictions as well as domestically. As we engage in racing across the country in the coming months, I am looking forward to contrasting rules and witnessing the differences first-hand.

As with many racing jurisdictions, thoroughbred aftercare is a pressing topic. The USA thoroughbred industry has been active in its approach including developing the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) which is a non-profit organisation designed to serve both as a crediting body for aftercare facilities that care for retired racehorses and a fundraising and grant allocation body to support the approved facilities.

Funds are contributed from racing bodies, stud farms and sales companies amongst others, emphasising the strong commitment the whole industry has for aftercare.

We also visited the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Centre, a TAA accredited organisation which prepares off the track thoroughbreds for prosperous post-track careers.

We are fortunate to each spend a week at The Secretariat Centre during our practical rotations which will be a fantastic opportunity to share our ideas and learn from a progressive organisation assisting in the sustainability of our industry.

The first weeks of this phase have equipped us with a strong foundation of the USA thoroughbred industry. We will continue building on our knowledge and skills in the next months as we complete our practical rotations within various aspects of the industry.

The rotations will provide us with experience in stallion management, pre-training and rehabilitation as well as stud management.

I am looking forward to applying new concepts and learning as much as I can over the next few months from some of the best horse people in the world.

Visit godolphinflyingstart.com for more information on the programme.