The 2025 Godolphin Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the Cape Cross Centre at Kildangan Stud in Ireland on the afternoon of Friday, June 13th. Invited guests included the parents of the graduating class, 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.
The day commenced with a stallion show where guests were presented six of the current Darley roster at Kildangan Stud. This was followed by a display of the trainees' business plan projects which they recently completed as part of their UCD entrepreneurship module.
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 His Highness 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. Tim Wray Director of Smurfit Executive Development addressed the assembled guests and emphasised the academic oversight of UCD and the success of the programme graduates to date.
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin UK and Dubai and Trustee of Godolphin Flying Start, was highly complimentary of the class of 2025 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 2025 graduates comprised trainees from five countries, including Daisy Fenwick (USA), Sam Baker (IRE), Jake Swinburn (UK), Johnny Marsh (UK), Gerard Donworth (IRE), Harrison Everett (AUS), Anna Cahill (IRE), George Connolly (IRE), Mitchell Whelan (NZ), Harper McVey (USA) Sean Cooper (IRE) and Claire Wilson (USA).
The diploma for the top trainee was presented to George Connolly, who achieved the highest grade among the 2025 graduating group, attaining a Distinction award.
Johnny Marsh spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the experience of the two years with his fellow classmates. He thanked the guests, Godolphin Flying Start management and HH Sheikh Mohammed.
The next opportunity to apply for Godolphin Flying Start is December 2025, and for more information about the course, please visit: www.godolphinflyingstart.com
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