2021 marked the 50th Anniversary of the world renowned Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course and while it wasn’t the traditional graduation ceremony that is typically enjoyed at the Irish National Stud a more low-key event was held on Friday 25th June to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2021.
Since 1971, the course has hosted students from all over the world with this year being no exception as 24 students from every corner of the global thoroughbred world were awarded their certificates at the County Kildare venue.
Each year Gold and Silver Medals are awarded to the top two achieving students and this year the prestigious Gold Medal was presented to Jake Scott Campbell, Co. Kildare who demonstrated an outstanding performance in all aspects of the course with the Silver Medal being awarded to Lachlan Pethica from Australia.
The INS ‘Jonathan Fitzpatrick Internship’ was awarded to Benjamin Shoare from West Sussex, England. Sharon Fitzpatrick presented the award to Benjamin who will commence his internship with the INS in July.
Alexis Navet, France was the recipient of the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award. Alexis was presented with a cheque for €250 and a trophy by Leo Powell for his winning article on Blue Hen broodmares which will be published in The Irish Field in the coming weeks.
The Veterinary Exam award was presented to Sarah Kelly, Kildare and the CEO award for the highest score in the Equine Business exam went to Conor Mahon, Co. Kilkenny. Best Portfolio of Assignments went to Benjamin Shoare and the Continuous Assessment award was presented to Niamh Walsh, Kilrossanty, Co. Waterford, Niamh showed great determination, hard work and dedication throughout her time on the course.
Grace Kerr (Class of 2020) was the recipient for the John Durkan Scholarship which is presented annually by the Class of 84. This award is granted to a student who has shown an interest in pursuing a career in training racehorses. Grace is looking forwarded to taking her placement with former course graduate, horse trainer Brian Meehan in the coming weeks.
Anne Channon, Education Development Manager ‘I would like to commend the students for their hard work and dedication over the past six months. More than ever before the Thoroughbred Industry needs skilled people who are thinkers and globally minded, I am confident that these students have all the attributes that are needed to bring the industry forward. I wish each and every one of them the very best as they take the next step in their careers.’
Cathal Beale, CEO “The class of 2021 have excelled themselves throughout the course. With the various enforced restrictions in place, they managed a difficult situation with resilience and professionalism. We look forward to celebrating their inevitable achievements over the coming year and wish them all the very best in the future.
Class of 2021
Patrick Campion (USA), Shea Connolly (Ireland), Marianne Gay (France), Hortense Huet (France), Suzanne Hyland (Ireland), Sarah Kelly (Ireland), Eathan Leonard (Ireland), Conor Mahon (Ireland), Olivia Marnane (Ireland), Hannah Moriarty (USA), Alexis Navet (France), Mairead O’Riordan (Ireland), George Prince (UK), Lauren Robinson (Ireland), Mehdi Saci (France), Jake Scott Campbell (Ireland), Ben Shoare (UK), Charlie Sweeney (Ireland), Niamh Walshe (Ireland), Elinor Wolf (USA), Normarie Santiago (Puerto Rico) recipient of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, Nathan Trumper (New Zealand) recipient of the NZTBA scholarship, Lachlan Pethica (Australia) and Alyssa Pickles (Australia) recipients of the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Basil Nolan Jnr scholarship
