FOUR Irish people are among the new group of Godolphin Flying Start trainees who began their two-year programme at Kildangan Stud last week.

The 12 trainees represent six countries: New Zealand, China, Ireland, Britain, Sweden and the USA.

The first week on the programme focused on induction training. In addition to a stallion show and tour of the stud they visited Godolphin’s Ragusa, Old Connell and Blackhall Studs and had a presentation on Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock interests.

They have commenced IT and Communications training as well as their Equine Anatomy and Physiology module at University College Dublin. They will commence practical work experience assisting with breaking yearlings at Kildangan in early September.

The group got a taste of Irish racing at the Curragh last Saturday and took to the track themselves on Sunday morning running in the Jog For Jockeys 5km and 10km events.

Lectures, visits, assignments and practical experience will continue for the 10-week Irish phase of the programme until the end of October when they will travel to Newmarket for the second part of the process. The trainees will attend the Goffs yearling sales and racing at Dundalk, Laytown and Leopardstown.

The second-year trainees commenced the Australian phase of the programme this week.

Godolphin Flying

Start Trainees

2016-2018

Jessica Berry, USA

Jack Carlino, USA

Madison Scott, USA

Joe Callan, Ireland

Tim Donworth, Ireland

Christopher Farrell, Ireland

Luke Morgan, Ireland

Megan Hebbert, UK

Laura Pouri-Robertson, New Zealand

Todd Pollard, New Zealand

Renshuai (Michael) Yi, China

Amie Karlsson, Sweden