Godolphin trainees told to pursue excellence
dubai — Joe Osborne, the CEO of Godolphin, has urged the eight graduates from Masar Godolphin to continue relentlessly in their pursuit of excellence and added that the journey will make them future leaders.
Eight Emirati trainees — four men and four women — graduated from the inaugural Masar Godolphin programme, an academic and experiential training programme operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The eight trainees, between the ages of 20 to 30, were selected from thousands of applicants last year, and underwent training in Dubai, Newmarket (England) and Kildare (Ireland) over a ninemonth period.
The induction phase began in Dubai before moving to the United Kingdom for formal study and riding
It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the Masar team over the last nine months
Joe Osborne
lessons at The British Racing School. The trainees were embedded in Godolphin’s massive UK operation, where they experienced an insight into the best practices in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses.
They also had the opportunity to attend race meetings in the UK and Ireland. The programme was overseen by Ali Al Ali, Head of Masar Godolphin.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presented Amna Banihashem, Hussain Al Marzooqi, Hasna Ali, Muna Al Mazrouei, Sultan Al Ameri, Ayesha Al Fugaee, Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi and Ibrahim Aqil with their certificates at the Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday. “As you know, the focus of this afternoon is very much about celebrating the sport of thoroughbred racing and the achievements of the graduates of the inaugural Masar Godolphin programme. This is a programme which represents yet another demonstration of His Highness’ enduring passion for horse racing and breeding, and for his continued commitment to the education of future leaders,” Osborne said.
“The love of horses is part of the DNA of Dubai and as this magnificent city has grown, so has the passion for horse racing. This was reflected in the large number of applicants we had for this programme and we had a difficult job selecting these eight trainees. Those selected experienced every aspect of horse racing and breeding in the UAE and Europe, preparing them for a future in this most exciting and demanding of businesses.
“The quality of academia, the horsemanship and personal development required to complete the programme was at the highest order. It is said that the journey between what you once were and what you are becoming is where the dance of life really takes place. And what a journey it was. Sometimes, the journey is best measured in the friends that you meet along the way rather than the miles that you travel. And I speak for everyone at Godolphin who have been so supportive of this programme to make it successful. It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the Masar team over the last nine months. I would like to conclude by thanking the graduates for their dedication and their commitment,” he added.
Osborne also quoted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, by saying: “I leave them with this thought. Excellence is a great starting point for any journey but as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed says, ‘The race for excellence has no finish line.’ I believe this year’s cohort will continue to be outstanding flag-bearers for the programme and for the UAE, for many years to come.”
james@khaleejtimes.com