Following a rollercoaster two-year period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Godolphin Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the Cape Cross centre at Kildangan Stud in Ireland June 24. The Godolphin Flying Start program is accredited by the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School as a Graduate Certificate in Management. Among those addressing the graduating class and assembled guests, Helen Brophy, Director of Smurfit Executive Development at UCD and Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland and Trustee of Godolphin Flying Start.
“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,” said Osborne.
The 2022 graduates comprised trainees from five countries, including Angus Robertson (Australia), Samantha Bussanich (USA), Devon Dougherty (USA), Erin McLaughlin (USA), Tommy Lyon Smith (UK), Brigitte Murphy (Ireland), Donncha McCarthy (Ireland), David Skelly (Ireland), Marine Moussa (France) and Solene Hudbert (France).
The diploma for the top trainee was presented to George Broughton (UK), who achieved the highest grade among the 2022 graduating group, attaining a Distinction award.
Angus Robertson and Samantha Bussanich spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the experience of the two years with their fellow classmates.
“We have had the most unorthodox experience in the 19-year history of the program, yet it is one that we would not exchange. At a time when people's lives were sent into turmoil through lockdowns, social distancing, and furlough, we were 11 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.”
The next opportunity to apply for Godolphin Flying Start is December 2022. For more information, visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com.
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