Godolphin launches equestrian scholarship programme for Emiratis

DUBAI // Godolphin, the global thoroughbred and horse racing stable founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has announced an exciting new scholarship programme to boost the presence of Emiratis in the industry.

The Masar Godolphin programme is, in the words of Ali Al Ali, the head of the initiative, an “academic and experiential scholarship” that will pick eight Emiratis every year for the 10-month course, which will take place in Dubai, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Masar Godolphin will provide UAE nationals with a unique and unrivalled opportunity to embrace their equestrian heritage with the aim of becoming the business’ leaders of the future,” Al Ali said as he announced the details of the programme at a news conference on Tuesday at Godolphin’s Al Quoz stables.

“The course will start with a one-month induction period here during the Dubai World Cup carnival to give the participants a feel of how the racing industry functions here before they jet off the UK.”

Emiratis interested in the scholarship programme need to apply through the Godolphin website, uploading their CV along with a 500-word essay on why they think they are the best candidates for this scholarship.

Godolphin has collaborated with the British Racing School to develop the modules for the course, which include horse husbandry for breeding and performance, racehorse training specialist instruction, racehorse trainer placements, bloodstock sales, business management, and leadership and personal development.

“We are looking at a degree-level education and two or more years of experience in the thoroughbred industry or any other equestrian-related experience,” Al Ali said. “Places on this prestigious programme will be offered to eight outstanding and ambitious young Emirati men and women, aged between 23 and 30, who demonstrate a genuine passion for equestrianism and who have the ambition and commitment to develop both personally and professionally.”

John Ferguson, the chief executive and racing manager for Godolphin, was also present at the news conference and he said: “It’s no secret that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed created Godolphin in order for Dubai to have a team with which they could be proud across the world in thoroughbred horse racing.

“It is time now for young Emiratis to take advantage of the expertise that we within Godolphin can hopefully provide and allow them to get a really thorough grasp and understanding of the global thoroughbred industry.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has therefore decided to create Masar. What Sheikh Mohammed would like to do is to take some young Emiratis on a journey through Godolphin, so that they can learn every facet of the business.”

arizvi@thenational.ae