2021 Class of Godolphin Flying Start Graduates

The 2021 class of Godolphin Flying Star graduated via Zoom on Friday, July 2. The 12 graduates were presented with their diplomas virtually by Godolphin Flying Start graduate and Godolphin Flying Start Trustee Lisa-Jane Graffard. The dozen new 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). Both Lowri Allen and Emma Coleman achieved the joint highest grades among the 2021 graduating group and also received Distinction awards.

“In August 2019, the 12 scholarship recipients for that year's programme arrived at Kildangan full of excitement, energy and anticipation,” said GFS Executive Director Clodagh Kavanagh, who opened the programme. “There are few life experiences as all-encompassing, as varied and as sustained as the two years of Godolphin Flying Start. As very 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.”

Added Godolphin Ireland Managing Director and Trustee of Godolphin Flying Start Joe Osborne, “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 large milestone.”

“We have had the most unorthodox experience in the 18-year history of the program, yet it is one that we would not exchange,” said UK trainee Arvin Chadee. “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.”