Nineteen students have graduated after successfully completing the National Stud’s Diploma Course which combines practical experience working on a commercial stud with lectures, visits and workshops relating to thoroughbred horse breeding and racing.
Thomas Biggs, 24, from Wiltshire received the top award, the Tim Dunlop Memorial Award, presented each year to the student who demonstrates outstanding performance in all aspects of the course.
Three other high achievers were awarded additional prizes; The National Stud’s certificate of Merit went to Nicola Hayes, 27, from Co Cork, Ireland. Mackenzie Fairbairn, 26 from Ontario, Canada was the recipient of the award for Most Improved Diploma student while Luke Dignam, 24, from Dublin, Ireland received the award for Best Practical Diploma Student.
Christopher Spence, Chairman of the National Stud, said: “We are delighted that all 19 students have successfully graduated; they have been a pleasure to have on-site, having worked incredibly hard and shown a high level of commitment to their studies.”
The graduation ceremony was combined with a celebration of 25 years of the Diploma Course. Former students who attended the course over the past 25 years were present Including Nigel Impie who attended the first course in 1987 and others who had travelled from New Zealand and Ireland.
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