Masar Godolphin, an academic and experiential scholarship programme targeting Emiratis, was announced yesterday at the Godolphin Stables in Al Quoz.
Operating under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Masar Godolphin will provide UAE nationals with a unique opportunity to embrace their equestrian heritage and become business leaders of the future.
The opportunity will be given to eight outstanding and ambitiousyoungsters aged between 23 and 30, who demonstrate a genuine passion for equestrianism, and who have the ambition to develop personally and professionally.
The programme will take place over 10 months, in Dubai, the UK and Ireland, and will comprise of various modules that include horse husbandry for breeding and performance, racehorse trainer placements (shadowing Team Godolphin trainers Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby and their senior team during their daily routines) and business management.
Masar (which is Arabic for ‘journey’) Godolphin will be run by Ali Al Ali, who is keen on unearthing the next leaders of this industry. “The love of horses is in the DNA of Dubai and the same pioneering spirit that you see in modern Dubai is felt in Godolphin, constantly looking forward, relentlessly innovating,” said Al Ali. “This is an extremely exciting time to be involved in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing and thanks to the ongoing support and guidance of His Highness, we are privileged to be able to extend this opportunity to the next generation of Emiratis.” Asked about the selection criteria for the applicants, Al Ali said they are looking for people with third degree level education and two or more years of experience in the thoroughbred industry or any equestrian-related field. Information and applications are available on www.godolphin.com.
