Q1 . When and how did Masar Godolphin get started ? After the success of the Godolphin Flying Start , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai , wanted to create a unique opportunity exclusively for young , talented UAE nationals that have the hunger and passion for equestrianism , especially in the world of Thoroughbred racing , management , and breeding operations . Ultimately , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ’ s vision is to create the future leaders in the Thoroughbred racing industry , and for them to be young ambassadors for the youth in Dubai , encouraging them to pursue their dreams in this field .
Q2 . How will this opportunity benefit young Emiratis , and what lessons do they learn ? The graduates of the program will get the chance , depending on their performance , to work in this great operation that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has created over the last 40 years . Be it in an operational , or a managerial post , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wants to see young UAE nationals immerse themselves in the equestrian industry through Masar Godolphin . Q6 . What is your
Q3 . Will you expand this scholarship to other countries that Godolphin is involved with ? Especially , UK , Ireland and Australia . The Scholarship is now based in Dubai , the UK , and a 2-week introductory in Ireland . As a pilot program , we elected to keep it restricted to three geographical locations , but as you know Godolphin is racing around the globe , such as Japan , Australia and USA …, so it is definitely something we will consider for the next group of Masar Godolphin . The current class has indeed benefited from their current program in the UK and Dubai , so these two stops will be a given for next year .
Q4 . To have the support of His Highness , what does this mean for you being the Head of Masar Godolphin and the 2018 contingency ? His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ’ s support is always an honour and a great privilege to have . In addition to that , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ’ s trust in granting us the opportunity to help scout the UAE for young UAE nationals who will follow in his footsteps in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing itself is an honour . I feel very lucky to be part of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ’ s vision , but will never over-look the huge responsibilities that this post has , and will do my best to deliver nothing less than perfection !
Q5 . When you first got into Thoroughbred racing , did you ever expect that you would be playing a part in encouraging the youth to become future trainers ? The first Dubai World Cup I attended was in the year 2000 when Dubai Millennium won the race with flying colours . That day changed what I thought of horse racing , and I became more attached to the sport as a spectator due to my young age and an amateur rider at one of the stables in Dubai . I continued watching racing in Dubai , and the UK , but traveling abroad to study took me away . Never did I imagine at the time that the day would come where this sport would be a huge part of my life . Yet , here I am now looking for future trainers , bloodstock agents , and breeders . It couldn ’ t have been better . I am indeed enjoying my time here at Godolphin . Building a new foundation under the patronage , support , and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for young UAE nationals and getting the chance that I always dreamed of is a huge satisfaction .
motto in your daily life ? Love what you do , and do what you love . Be fair to people , and treat everyone the same way you would want to be treated . On top of all , be faithful to yourself by being faithful to others .
Q7 . What ’ s your selection process for Masar Godolphin ? The selection process goes in three phases . First , the candidates apply for the scholarship on our website and will have to be within the given criteria of age , education , English fluency in writing and speech , and they have to have at least two years of experience with horses . We then filter the applicants to a certain number that advance to phase 2