Flying Start :: TE AKAU - CHAMPION TEAM

TE AKAU - CHAMPION TEAM - CHAMPION STABLE

Te Akau: Flying Start

Posted by admin on Jul 30, 2010 - 11:37 AM

Two outstanding young Kiwis spent time with David Ellis at Te Akau on Thursday.

Two fine ambassadors of the Darley Flying Start management training programme visited David Ellis at Te Akau Stud yesterday and what two outstanding young people we had the pleasure of meeting.

Successfully inducted into its 12 strong course in 2009, New Zealand trainees Scott Calder and Vicky Leonard are superb representatives of this industry and of New Zealand and they are both obviously having the time of their lives.

Funded by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, the Darley Flying Start programme is an internationally renowned thoroughbred course which spans two years. It is restricted to young people aged between 20-29 who can ideally demonstrate a proven academic record and a thoroughbred passion, the course presents the opportunity to live and learn in the thoroughbred racing and breeding centres of Ireland, England, Kentucky, Australia and Dubai.

Under the tutelage of leading industry professionals, the programme combines lectures, visits and hands-on experience and offers trainees an exceptional insight into the thoroughbred industry.

Now at the half way stage, Scott and Vicky made a point of travelling out to Te Akau Stud to tap the knowledge and vast experience of David Ellis, Te Akau principal. They already have firsthand experience and education already from countries such as Ireland, England and Kentucky.

After their three or so hours at Te Akau including a tour of the farm, Scott sent us this email:

“Thank you for taking the time to meet Vicky and me today. It was a real privilege to meet you both and learn about a business at the forefront of the industry. Vicky is from Timaru and has spent time working for Cambridge Stud, Brooklyn Lodge, riding track work at Trentham and participating in the graduate programme at the NZRB as well as completing her degree at Otago University. I am from Cambridge and completed a business degree at Waikato University while also working summers at Curraghmore Stud and one summer for the NZRB.”

“We are currently half way through the two year programme and have spent time working within Darley in Ireland, England and America. The next year will involve time in Australia, Dubai and Ireland. The Darley Flying Start is a two year fully funded scholarship that takes 12 students from around the world each year. The programme includes a combination of hands on work within the Darley system, lectures from experts within the industry and visits to studs, vet clinics etc. Highlights of the course include learning from so many well respected people and working with some amazing horses. A major highlight so far was watching Sea the Stars win the Arc after having seen him race in Ireland and at his trainer John Oxx's yard. Once again thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to speak with us.”

Scott and Vicky have a huge future ahead of them – we were thrilled to spend time with such motivated, intelligent and personable young people who will undoubtedly bring great passion to our industry – outstanding young New Zealanders both!

At the completion of their three week break, the pair will make their way to Hunter Valley in Australia, which will serve as their base until December, when the group heads off to Dubai before returning to Ireland.