WITH the first two phases of the course complete, the 2018-2020 Godolphin Flying Start trainees are off to a fast-paced start in America. Calling Lexington home until July, trainees have become well-adjusted to our new bluegrass lifestyle. The first six weeks of our time here has been filled with a variety of experiences which have immersed trainees in the culture of thoroughbred racing in the United States.

Sometimes referred to as the horse capital of the world, Kentucky is a melting pot of history, world class horses and southern hospitality. We have been welcomed with open arms by everyone we have met and have thoroughly enjoyed all visits and tours thus far. Visits to The Jockey Club, Keeneland, and Fasig Tipton provided trainees with the opportunity to develop knowledge in a variety of areas including the registration process for thoroughbreds and sales structure within the American Industry.

STALLIONS

Our afternoons have been spent viewing stallions at leading farms such as WinStar Farm, Hill ‘N’ Dale Farms, Coolmore’s Ashford Stud, Calumet Farm, and Spendthrift Farm. Highlights include seeing American Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify at Ashford Stud, and 2018 Leading General Sire Kitten’s Joy at Hill ‘N’ Dale.

Trainees also attended the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club meetings. At the most recent meeting trainees heard from a panel of six veterinarians who discussed new research and potential issues to be aware of in the breeding season.

LECTURES

The academic component of the Flying Start programme swung into action soon after our arrival, when we registered as students at the University of Kentucky – now we are all proud supporters of the college basketball team, the Kentucky Wildcats.

At the University of Kentucky, trainees are in the process of completing an eight-week equine nutrition module under the guidance of Dr Lawrie Lawrence. This module focuses on topics such as equine digestive physiology, composition of feeds, nutrient requirements of horses, and pasture and forage utilization.

The course is practical in nature and has taught trainees to think critically about what is required to feed horses depending on their use. Trainees have become well versed in calculating rations and nutrient deficits in diets, and all trainees are keen to apply this new found knowledge in our future experiences and careers.

In February the trainees undertook the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP), facilitated by Wendy Davis, Director of the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona. ROAP accredits racing officials, stewards and judges throughout the horse racing industry in the United States.

Completing the programme allowed trainees to develop a greater understanding of the rules of American racing, particularly around areas such as the legal framework of racing, medication rules and regulations, interference and the responsibilities of the stewards.

Our understanding was enhanced by lectures from accredited stewards, in addition to representatives from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, and the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center.

ROTATIONS

As we move into March, trainees will be found dotted across Lexington, completing rotations. Trainees will each spend time on night shift foaling, at broodmare farms, working with the Godolphin stallions, at the Godolphin pre-training and rehabilitation yard, and with yearlings at Godolphin’s Dubai Millennium farm. Time will also be spent in the Jonabell office where trainees will learn about the business operations of Godolphin and Darley in America.

A new rotation this year is a week at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. New Vocations is a non-profit organisation that offers retired racehorses a ‘safe-haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced, caring homes.’ While here trainees will work to assist with the re-education and rehabilitation of retired racehorses.

MORE TO COME

Looking down the barrel at what is to come, it would be an understatement to say that all trainees are excited to attend the running of the 145th Kentucky Derby in May. However, to keep our minds occupied until then, trainees will be kept busy completing both finance and legal modules.

Following the Derby, trainees will complete a course in farriery at the Kentucky Horseshoeing School.

To keep up to date with what trainees are doing, follow our twitter feed @FlyingStartNews and look out for our trainee views videos!