His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, honored the first batch of the Masar Godolphin programme at a ceremony at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The event was attended by the Crown Prince of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Speaking at the event, Joe Osborne, Group Chief Executive for Godolphin, said: “Masar Godolphin represents yet another demonstration of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s enduring passion for horse breeding and racing, and his continued commitment to the creation of a sustainable future for both the industry and the individuals involved in it.”

“This inaugural cohort experienced every aspect of horse racing and breeding in both Europe and the UAE, preparing them incredibly well for a future in this most exciting and demanding business.  The quality of academia, horsemanship and personal development required to complete the programme was of the highest order.”

Ali Al Ali, Head of Masar Godolphin, said: “Their graduation was the final step in a nine-month journey, which provided eight outstanding and ambitious UAE nationals with a unique and unrivalled opportunity to embrace their equestrian heritage, with the aim of becoming the business leaders of the future.”

“In tandem with the development of their equine knowledge and skills, the trainees were given the opportunity to visit some of the UK’s leading sporting and professional organisations in the pursuit of developing their leadership, management and teamwork skills.  It has been a tough but fulfilling nine months and I could not be prouder of the Fursan.”

The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Future and Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi; Director- General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, H.E. Khalifa Saeed Suleiman; Irish Ambassador, HE Paul Kavanagh; Partners, and family and friends of the graduating interns.

For more information about Masar Godolphin please visit www.godolphin.com/masar