THIS month, the Flying Start contingent split up across America for our work placements. Placements as one of the biggest benefits of Flying Start. For five weeks, you are able to work in an environment that is practical and conducive to learning. Our American placement is the first on the course and we will also have the opportunity to work outside of Godolphin in Australia, Dubai, and Europe.

Work placements can be in any field of the industry, with Flying Start providing an open door for trainees to get in with some of the most respected figures in the game. Placement location is decided in a collaborative effort between the trainee and course manager Clodagh Kavanagh. Many trainees settle on placements in their specific chosen career aspiration, but any experience within the industry cohesively ties into the larger picture of racing.

Our class divided to various segments of the industry for work placements. Six trainees remained in Lexington, Kentucky for the month, with placements at Airdrie Stud, Equine Analysis Systems, Keeneland, Mill Ridge Farm, Solis/Litt Bloodstock and with trainer Brendan Walsh at Keeneland.

The remainder of the group went to the Thoroughbred Daily News in New Jersey, and with trainers Phil D’Amato at Santa Anita, Ralph Nicks at Gulfstream, Mike Stidham at Fair Hill, and Christophe Clement and Tom Morley at Belmont Park.

My placement has been with Christophe Clement. I had worked at the track prior to beginning with Clement, but he is the most recognized trainer I have been with. Seeing the routine and structure of his racing operation has been a privilege and a tremendous learning experience.

I am very fortunate in that I spent a lot of time with Clement and can have an open chat with him about the horses under his care and racing as a whole. Getting so much face time with him has not been lost on me – I try to absorb and retain as much as possible from our conversations.

Clement is a true horseman, which shows in every aspect of his operation. His entire team has been welcoming, helpful, and willing to teach me anything I ask about.

Highlights of my time with the Clement Racing Stable included Frostmourne winning the Grade 2 Penn Mile and Disco Partner setting a world record for six furlongs in 1:05.67 in the Grade 3 Jaipur Stakes on Belmont Stakes day. Sometimes, racing delivers on all its promises and it was special to be a very small part of the Clement team on days like those.

With placements wrapping up, it is time to head back to Lexington for the final phase of the American portion of Flying Start. We will have two weeks in Lexington with a busy schedule ahead. The Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale will be held while we are in town, and Flying Start is hosting a conference titled “A Strategic Approach to the US Thoroughbred Industry: Identifying a 10 Year Vision.” There is plenty left to wrap up, pack up and many goodbyes to be said as we prepare to leave Kentucky, our home since January. I would like to speak for everyone on the course in extending a huge thank you to the entire Godolphin America team and all the many industry figures who gave their time to us while in the US – it was an unbelievable six months thanks to your generosity and hospitality.

As a proud American, I may be biased in my view of the US phase of the course – it was awesome. After spending five years in Lexington, I call the city home and was delighted to show it to my fellow trainees. Lexington did not disappoint and the United States exceeded many trainees’ expectations. Australia is next on the agenda – but not before myself and a couple other trainees visit Saratoga to experience and celebrate all that is right with American racing.