In an age of transformation in racing and diversity, no Africans were selected for the prestigious Godolohin Flying Start program as announced yesterday. 

South Africa has had a few graduates to date but the lack of supposed diversity from lesser racing nations and non racing nations is apparent. No Africans or South Africans were included in the program and all are from developed nations. 

It was an excellent opportunity for the program to show diversity and place less privileges students into the horseracing industry. An opportunity missed it seems. 

The statement read, "Godolphin Flying Start announced May 31 the latest group of trainees for its prestigious two-year Thoroughbred Industry Management and Leadership Program. The class of 2021-23 comprises eight men and four women from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

This outstanding scholarship facilitates trainees to learn and experience management operations and leadership in the global Thoroughbred industry with phases in Ireland, the UK, the U.S., Australia, and Dubai. The course is accredited by University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School as a Graduate Certificate in Management.

Over half of Godolphin Flying Start graduates have gone on to become managers, CEOs, or business founders and are based across five continents working in media, racing, breeding, bloodstock, sales, consultancy, veterinary, and marketing.

Godolphin Flying Start is a two-year, full-time management and leadership program specializing in the international Thoroughbred training and breeding industry. Founded in 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, the program selects 12 candidates each year to receive all-inclusive scholarships.

The 2021-23 trainees are:

Taylor Made
Marcus Bird, UK
Shéa Connolly, Ireland
Jessica Daw, UK
Margaux Herinckx, UK
James Keane, Ireland
Charles King, New Zealand
Christopher Moore, UK
Henry Morshead, UK
Taylor Owens, U.S.
Lachlan Pethica, Australia
Vinzenz Schiergen, Germany
Elinor Wolf, U.S