THE 2023 Godolphin Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the Cape Cross Centre at Kildangan Stud in Ireland in mid-June.

Among the invited guests were Godolphin management and University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School representatives who have supported the Flying Start trainees throughout their two years on the programme, along with the parents of the graduating class.

Godolphin Flying Start executive director Clodagh Kavanagh warmly welcomed guests and trainees’ families from as far away as the USA, New Zealand, and Australia.

She spoke about the inspiration for the programme from Sheikh Mohammed and the impact of the experience on the trainees’ personal and professional lives.

Godolphin Flying Start is accredited by the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School as a Graduate Certificate in Management.

Representing the University, Professor of Entrepreneurship Raomal Perera addressed the assembled guests and emphasised the academic oversight of UCD and the success of the programme graduates to date.

Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland and trustee of Godolphin Flying Start, was highly complementary of the class of 2023 and 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.”

The 2023 graduates, representing six countries, are Elinor Wolf (USA), James Keane (IRE), Christopher Moore (UK), Jessica Daw (UK), Taylor Owens (USA), Margaux Herinckx (UK), Shea Connolly (IRE), Lachlan Pethica (AUS), Charlie King (NZ), Vinzenz Schiergen (GER) Marcus Bird (UK) and Henry Morshead (UK).

The diploma for the top trainee was presented to Lachlan Pethica (AUS), who achieved the highest grade among the 2023 graduating group, attaining a Distinction award.

Shea Connolly and Lachlan Pethica spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the experience of the two years with their fellow classmates. They thanked the guests, Godolphin Flying Start management and Sheikh Mohammed.

See godolphinflyingstart.com for more information on the programme