South African student bound for Newmarket

South African students – many from disadvantaged backgrounds – will have the opportunity the join the National Stud’s flagship diploma programme, thanks to a new scheme.

The National Stud, together with the Childwick Trust, are to offer a scholarship to a graduate from a leading South African breeding operation. Mick Goss’s Summerhill Stud, near Durban, has run the Al Maktoum School of Management Excellence for more than 20 years.

The three organisations have agreed a system for one School of Excellence graduate to have a fully funded place on the internationally renowned Diploma in Stud Practice and Management, run annually at the National Stud in Newmarket.

With the support of the Childwick Trust, the South African student will join the other diploma students, working alongside National Stud staff during the breeding season and experiencing racing in the northern hemisphere.

Mick Goss from Summerhill Stud, said: “Our young and enthusiastic students are keen horse people, who display an unusual potential and connectivity with the world of racing and we’re delighted to be offering one of our graduates the opportunity to study with the National Stud.

“We believe the overseas placement will fast-track our graduate into a world they might never have accessed without the scholarship, with the hope that they bring their experiences back to fellow students at home.”

Graduates of the National Stud’s diploma are highly regarded by industry employers; the vast majority secure employment immediately after graduating.

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