2 minute read
Charles Sturt alumna off to a flying start in the thoroughbred industry
It seems Caitlin Smith was always destined to be involved in the racing industry. The 25-year-old has been riding horses since before she could walk and is the third generation of her family to undertake a career in the thoroughbred industry.
In 2019, the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) graduate was awarded one of 12 scholarships to participate in the Godolphin Flying Start program. Caitlin was the only person in the southern hemisphere to be awarded a scholarship. She joined the best young guns from the global thoroughbred industry, honing their management and leadership skills, while gaining experience international industry experience. The Godolphin Flying Start program was founded in 2003 by Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. It's a two-year, full-time management and leadership training program, specialising in the international thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. The program aims to recruit the most talented people globally, giving them professional training and experience, producing future industry leaders. Caitlin said she feels privileged to have been selected for the program, “It’s the opportunity that all young people in the racing industry aspire to achieve.” “The program provided me opportunities I may never have otherwise been able to experience, while increasing my understanding and networks across the international racing industry. “It has allowed me to grow and refine my leadership and strategic thinking; skills that are invaluable for my future involvement in the industry.” As part of her two-year training program, Caitlin undertook practical training and visits, lectures and assignments in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Caitlin graduated with her classmates via Zoom in July, receiving her diploma virtually by Godolphin Flying Start graduate and trustee Liza-Jane Graffard. Caitlin’s fellow graduates are from the UK, Ireland, US, Argentina, France and Japan. “While our experience has been different to other years due to COVID-19, my involvement in the Godolphin Flying Start program has been life changing – I wouldn’t change it.” “I encourage anyone who is looking to pursue a career in the thoroughbred industry to think about applying. You will learn so much about not only the thoroughbred industry, but yourself. It will challenge you to grow personally and professionally.”
