The thoroughbred industry isn’t a horse business, it’s a people business” is something that has been proven to me time and time again since becoming a trainee on Darley Flying Start.
I’ve learned that it is a business filled with truly great people willing to share their knowledge and advice while being genuinely interested in helping our group.
Our third phase in Kentucky has been no exception, with excellent networking opportunities and experiences. Since our arrival here in Lexington, the majority of our time has been dedicated to the Kentucky Horse Shoeing School learning the importance of foot care and leg anatomy from both a theoretical and practical stand point.
Our days there included classroom lectures in the mornings before swapping our pens for a rasp to learn the techniques of trimming in the afternoon. Needless to say there was no shortage of aches and pains after the two weeks, especially for us taller trainees who struggled to get below the smaller ponies during the practical phase!
Once we were confident in our trimming techniques at the school, we were given the opportunity to practice our new skills at ‘Old Friends Farm’, a facility for retired racehorses. There we were fortunate to meet two celebrities of the American racing world, the 1997 Kentucky Derby winner and Racing Hall of Famer, Silver Charm, along with his multi-million dollar earning companion Game On Dude.
Just like our previous bases Kildare and Newmarket, Kentucky has a great history with the thoroughbred and nowhere embodies this history more than Keeneland. During a visit there, I could almost feel the history surround me having heard and read about the stories of the bidding wars that have taken place for America’s best quality bloodstock for years.
This initial introduction to Keeneland was extremely well timed as the following week we were back with our sales catalogues for the January Horses of All Ages Sale when we witnessed the Irish-bred mare Up sell for $2.2 million.
HOME FROM HOME
As an Irishman living in Lexington, I never feel too far away from home with a large number of Irish people directly involved in the thoroughbred industry calling the Bluegrass home. Just like Ireland, the main topic of conversation is often the weather!
So far, we can be thankful that we have escaped lightly after hearing of the ice storms experienced by pervious graduates. I feel it has been an easy adjustment for me to fit into life in Lexington.
I can also relate to their obsession for sport and enjoyed experiencing the ‘Blue Nation’ when attending a University of Kentucky college basketball game.
The past week brought more busy times with the arrival of our course manager Clodagh Kavanagh for our individual progress reviews. Clodagh also conducted a two-day innovation and technology interactive workshop where we were given the task of solving a specific problem case study.
BREEDING SEASON
Soon we will start our morning work rotations, assisting Darley staff during the busy breeding season. Of course these rotations would not be complete without night foal watch and each trainee will spend two weeks on duty at Gainsborough Farm.
We look forward to the challenge of balancing these late nights/early morning with lectures, visits, assignments and exams. Past graduates have often highlighted this phase as one of the busiest of the two years, yet many have pointed out this phase as a favourite.
Therefore it is no surprise that Lexington is somewhat of a hub for Darley Flying Start graduates with over 20 former trainees working for the likes of Darley, Coolmore, Winstar and Keeneland.
SELECTION PROCESS
February will bring exciting times for Darley Flying Start as the selection process for next year’s class of trainees will commence. I find it hard to believe that this time last year I was preparing my Darley Flying Start application while completing my International Equine Business Degree at NUI Maynooth. I want to wish applicants the best of luck.
For more information on Darley Flying Start and up to date news please visit darleyflyingstart.com