Twenty-four students from the Irish National Stud's Thoroughbred Breeding Management course marked the completion of the six-month programme with a graduation ceremony on Friday, June 27.
The event was hosted by well-known industry figure Leo Powell, with the family and friends of the graduating class among those in attendance at the County Kildare stud farm, as well as other respected figures from the Thoroughbred industry.
A number of students were recognised for their exceptional performance and contribution over the duration of the course, including:
- Ava Banahan (Co. Kildare, Ireland) – Continuous Assessment Award
- Sam Thompson (Australia) – Best Portfolio of Assignments
- Raph McCall (UK) – Veterinary Exam Award
- Luke O'Neill (Co. Kildare, Ireland) – Equine Business Award
Two prestigious internships were also announced. Peter Leavy (Co. Kildare) received the Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship, which will commence in July at the Irish National Stud, while Josefina Posada Montoya (Colombia) was awarded the Goffs Internship.
Tara Caroll (Co. Meath, Ireland) was honoured with the Irish Field “Blue Hen” Award for her outstanding article, which will be published in The Irish Field. Tara received a trophy and a €250 cheque presented by Powell.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of the highly regarded Gold and Silver Medals, presented annually to the top two performing students:
- Gold Medal: Luke O'Neill (Co. Kildare, Ireland)
- Silver Medal: Chloe De Salvador (France)
Anne Channon, education manager at the Irish National Stud, said, “Our graduates this year have shown an extraordinary commitment to their studies and the Thoroughbred breeding industry. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see them contribute to the future of the Thoroughbred industry.”
Class of 2025
Ava Banahan (Ireland), Luke Buchanan (Australia), Tara Carroll (Ireland), Chloe De Salvador (France), Claire Dilger (USA), Patrick Doyle (Ireland), Claire Hillebrand (USA), Jordan Kidd (Ireland), Peter Leavy (Ireland), Caroline Madden (USA), Raph McCall (UK), Sarahjane O'Byrne (Ireland), Luke O'Neill (Ireland), Áine O'Rourke (USA) George Palin (UK), Lea Petit (France), Josefina Posada Montoya (Colombia), Eric Resendiz (Mexico), Sarah Rohan (Ireland), Elle Sorensen (Ireland), Madeleine St Ledger (Australia), Moa Sundstrom (Sweeden), Sam Thompson (Australia), Conor Wafer (Ireland).
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