Dubai: Masar Godolphin, the academic and operational-based scholarship for Emiratis with a passion for the thoroughbred race horse, triumphantly honoured its first set of graduates in a style befitting such a prestigious programme.
Eight young men and women, who began the life-changing ten-month course in January this year, received their certificates from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under whose patronage Masar Godolphin operates.
The new leaders of UAE's horseracing industry are here! Meet the graduates of the Masar Godolphin programme.
The programme, which was delivered in Dubai, Newmarket, England and Kildare, Ireland, included formal studies and riding lessons at The British Racing School, time spent at Godolphin’s fast-paced training centres in the UK along with insights into best practice in the breeding and training of race horses and the management systems which support them.
“This is an important day in the history of Masar, to have the first graduation class,” said Godolphin chief executive Joe Osborne. “The plan is that it will continue as a programme.
- RJoe Osborne | Godolphin CEO
“The trainees learn from each other as much as we try to teach them. And it gives me no greater satisfaction than to be involved in education, to see people grow personally and professionally.
“With this particular class, I have to commend them on their courage to take a step like that into a programme that has only just started,” he added. “They were fantastic ambassadors for the UAE — committed, positive and hard-working.
Godolphin’s Global CEO, Joe Osborne speaking at the Masar graduation ceremony in Dubai. (Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News)
“We are also proud and honoured that His Highness Shaikh Mohammad has taken time off from his busy schedule to be present. It shows his commitment to the programme so we are very pleased and honoured that he made the effort.”
Aisha Al Fugaee, a graduate from Zayed University, said she couldn’t thank Shaikh Mohammad enough for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she had been granted.
- Aisha Al Fugaee | Masar graduate
“His Highness has made a little girl’s dream come true,” she said, after reciting a poem she had written, dedicated to Shaikh Mohammad.
“Thanks to him, I have developed my skills beyond my wildest imagination. I now know what goes on in the world of thoroughbred racing — the training, the breeding, the operations.
“I feel so inspired to spread awareness and education about the equine industry.
“Everything in life has a beginning. I think the end of this programme is only the beginning of a new journey. Our mission now is to open doors for the next batch and the one to follow.”
Amnah Bani Hashem, a trilingual mechanical engineer and competitive show jumper with an Olympic dream, says that the Masar experience has helped to further boost her passion for horses.
- Amna Bani Hashem | Masar graduate
“Ever since I was young, horses have changed me, so I knew instantly when I joined Masar that I wouldn’t be the same person again,” she said.
“Honestly, there’s no limit to what you can learn when it comes to horses. I will always treasure what I learnt through the programme. It’s an experience like no other.
“I always thought that show jumping was going to be my only love. But after this course, I can now say that I share this love with the thoroughbred horse.”
Abdul Aziz Al Suwaidi has been involved with horses all his life and now wants to become a professional trainer and horse owner.
“The programme allowed me to take giant steps forward to reach my goal,” he said. “It changed many things in my life, in the way I think and my personality.
“The main aim of the programme is to create leaders and we experienced so many leadership programmes during the course. We went to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where we met so many leaders either in the military or sports industry.
“We had a work placement with Godolphin where I was fortunate to work in the racing stables, the stud farm and the bloodstock nominations sections,” he added.
- Abdul Aziz Al Suwaidi | Masar graduate
“Initially I was a bit confused as there was so much going on. But I now know what I want to do, and that is become a trainer, owner and, one day, a breeder.”
The other Masar graduates were Muna Al Mazroui, Hasna Ali, Sultan Al Ameri, Ebrahim Aqil and Hussain Al Marzouqi.
The graduates
A trilingual mechanical engineer from the AUD. American University in Dubai, Amna is a painter, a philanthropist, and a competitive show-jumper aspiring to become an Olympian. She hopes to represent the UAE globally.
A graduate of Animal Science and Zoology from Deakin University Geelong in Australia. Hussain won the Junior World Endurance Championship in 2009 in Hungary. An endurance trainer he says equestrianism is a way of life.
Hasna has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Canadian University of Dubai. At 18 she joined Emirates airline and has become a specialist in flight operations. Hasna has a keen interest im equestrianism.
A graduate of SAE Dubai in Audio Engineering, Al Ameri comes from a family with a rich history in equestrianism. From a young age he has taken part in horse events in the UAE and has worked on his families yard, Rahal Ranch, in Abu Dhabi.
Muna holds a degree in Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the AUS. She worked at Emirate Global Aluminium (EGA). She likes to participate in equine charities and also volunteers at stables which specialise in equine therapy.
Abdul Aziz Al Suwaidi
A graduate of International Relations from the AUE, Al Suwaidi worked for the Dubai Land Department. Having been involved with horses and equestrianism all his life, Al Suwaidi has competed in equestrian events globally.
Aisha is a graduate of Zayed University, where she founded both the Equestrian Club and the Poetry Club. A keen and talented equestrian, in her spare time Aisha writes poetry and is an active member of the Dubai Volunteering Program.
A graduate of Business Administration from AUD, Adil was always fascinated with the equestrian lifestyle, inspired by Shaikh Mohammad, he has attained a high-level in equestrian showjumping.
