LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 7, 2016) — University of Kentucky graduate Madison Scott has been preparing for her prestigious Godolphin Flying Start scholarship since she stepped on campus in 2012. Scott studied marketing, equine science and management in addition to working horse industry internships.
This summer, Scott was one of only 12 chosen from around the world for the two-year full-time Thoroughbred industry international management and leadership training program, formerly known as Darley Flying Start.
Scott will have a once-in-a-lifetime work experience that will take her to the premier horse racing communities around the globe. Founded in 2003, Godolphin Flying Start is the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai.
Each year a dozen candidates are selected to receive the scholarship, which includes course fees, accommodation, transport, health insurance and a monthly allowance. The program is accredited by the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School as a graduate certificate in management (thoroughbred industry), as well as the University of Arizona Racing Officials Accreditation Program and the Kentucky Horseshoeing School.
For the next two years, Scott and her fellow trainees will start each morning around 6 a.m. working hands-on as part of the stud or stable staff on a Godolphin operation where they are based in County Kildare, Ireland; Newmarket, England; Lexington, Ky.,; Hunter Valley, Australia; or Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Much of the work will be physical and will continue through inclement weather as horses have to be cared for every day. In the afternoons, Godolphin Flying Start trainees will attend lectures, management meetings, workshops, sales, race meets, as well as official visits to other equine operations.
“The Godolphin Flying Start Scholarship offers unparalleled exposure in the international horse racing industry. Besides providing ample networking opportunities, Flying Start students are given management and leadership training to equip them with the skills to become leaders in the racing business,” Scott said.
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