'An experience we wouldn't change' - 2021 Godolphin Flying Start class graduate

The Godolphin Flying Start class of 2021 graduated from their two-year course via Zoom to close their journey on the scheme after two "unorthodox" years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trainees were joined online by family, friends and mentors from across the world to receive their Godolphin Flying Start Diplomas from 2005 graduate and Godolphin Flying Start trustee, Lisa-Jane Graffard.

The graduates are: Lowri Allen (UK), Joseph Bradley (Ireland), Julie Witt (USA), Niamh O’Brien (Ireland), Rachel Wade (USA), Arvin Chadee (UK), Victoria Canessa (Argentina), Marie Rohaut (France), Toshihiro Onikubo (Japan), Emma Coleman (Ireland), Oswald Wedmore (UK) and Caitlin Smith (Australia).

Clodagh Kavanagh, executive director of Godolphin Flying Start, said: “In August 2019, the 12 scholarship recipients for that year’s programme arrived at Kildangan full of excitement, energy and anticipation. The group was full with raw talent, emerging personalities and aspirational career aims.”

The Flying Start graduates of 2021 in AustraliaCredit: Flying Start

“A graduation marks the completion of an academic programme or experience and of reaching a standard of excellence. But it’s not the end, more so a new beginning and the marking of a move to a new chapter or opportunity.

"There are few life experiences as all-encompassing, as varied and as sustained as the two years of Godolphin Flying Start.

"As many graduates have said, it is truly life changing. I encourage the class that are graduating today to be active participants in alumni events and to contribute to the thoroughbred industry above and beyond their own careers.”

Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland and trustee of Godolphin Flying Start, added: “On behalf of the global Godolphin team I congratulate this graduating class and wish them success
and encouragement for their futures in the thoroughbred industry. Godolphin Flying Start will now have 201 graduates of the programme, a significant milestone."

The Flying Start team at the Curragh in 2019Credit: Flying Start

UK trainee Arvin Chadee said on behalf of the class: “We've had the most unorthodox experience in the 18-year history of the programme, yet it's one we would not exchange.

"At a time when people's lives were sent into turmoil through lockdowns, social distancing, and furlough, I was one of 12 fortunate individuals who still managed to travel, gain incredible practical and theoretical experience, and develop personally and professionally.

"This was due to the resilience of the thoroughbred industry, the fortitude of the Godolphin Flying Start management team, and the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.”

Applications for the next course can be made in January, while further information can be found at www.godolphinflyingstart.com.

Flying Start blogs:

Read George Broughton's Flying Start blog

Read Lowri Allen's Flying Start blog

Read Samantha Bussanich's Flying Start blog

Read Erin McLaughlin's Flying Start blog

Read Solene Hudbert's Flying Start blog

Read Caitlin Smith's Flying Start blog

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