THE class of 2022-2024 has well and truly settled into life in the Bluegrass as we now approach the half-way point of our USA phase.

We have had a busy time of late, both academically and practically, as all trainees began their practical rotations this month.

February got off to a busy start as we attended the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale where we had the opportunity to shadow bloodstock agents attending the sale.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow both Donato Lanni and Madison Scott throughout the sale which I thoroughly enjoyed and I am very grateful to them for the opportunity.

Just before the breeding season hit full speed, we were lucky enough to visit the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for a tour of the impressive facility and receive lectures from a selection of Hagyard-based veterinarians who covered topics ranging from care of the neonate, to angular limb deformities and common racing injuries in the US.

These lectures gave us an insight into the differing approaches of treating horses in the US compared with our home countries.

Practical rotations

This month also marked the start of our 12-week practical rotations where all trainees will spend at least one week across 10 different locations working on both Godolphin and external farms.

Over the past six weeks, I have spent some time with the Godolphin team at Jonabell, Dubai Millenium and with Godolphin’s “secret weapon” Johnny Burke at Keeneland.

The past two weeks have been spent on foal watch at Gainsborough with Danny Mulvihill and his great team.

I have enjoyed all the different rotations as we are constantly learning about the different aspects of the ever-intriguing thoroughbred industry. I am also looking forward to my rotations that are yet to come which include working at Hunter Valley Farm, Airdrie Stud and spending some time with multiple Grade 1-winning trainer Eddie Kenneally.

These practical rotations allow trainees to experience some of the different elements of the industry as well as learning new skills.

Over the past six weeks we have taken part in a finance module hosted by the Godolphin Finance team along with Michael Michalisin from Midway University and Jimmy Lanford from Three Chimneys Farm. Trainees also completed a legal module facilitated by Stoll Keenon Ogden.

Both these modules were tailored towards the industry and allowed us to learn more about the elements of finance and law that relate most to the thoroughbred industry.

University studies

We also concluded our studies at the University of Kentucky this month where all trainees have taken Dr Lawrie Lawrence’s Equine Nutrition class.

The month of March has also been busy for the trainees as we have had the opportunity to visit some of the leading stallion houses in Lexington.

We were lucky enough to see some of the amazing athletes that most trainees haven’t got to see in the flesh with everyone’s firm highlight being champion and Horse of the Year - Flightline.

It was also great to see both Triple Crown winners residing at Ashford in Justify and American Pharoah.

As we move ever closer to the first weekend in May the excitement is starting to build among trainees as our Road to the Derby points contest is becoming increasingly competitive with each points race that goes by.

Godolphin look to have two exciting homebred prospects on the Oaks trail in Wet Paint and Pretty Mischievous.

We are all very much so looking forward to attending Churchill Downs and hearing My Old Kentucky Home. We are so grateful to everyone that has welcomed us since our arrival in the US and we are looking forward to the second half of our phase on this side of the pond.

See godolphinflyingstart.com for more information on the programme