The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to all its supporters that have contributed to the charity that assists young people starting off in the bloodstock business.
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the foundation commenced its activities just three years ago in memory of County Clare native Gerry Dilger whose Dromoland Farm specialized in successful sales pinhooks and an elite breeding operation with great partners that produced consecutive Kentucky Derby winners Nyquist (Uncle Mo) and Always Dreaming (Bodemeister). However, Gerry was equally renowned as a nurturer of young people who found their way to Dromoland and gained so much life and work experience. The foundation was established by the Dilger family and friends to continue his teaching for the next generation and in a short period of time has awarded eighteen scholarships and three bursaries to students from around the world. Our partner schools in Ireland include University College Dublin, University of Limerick, CAFRE, KIldalton College and the Irish National Stud.
We were delighted to recently announce that Luis Ettedgui and Grace Hamilton were awarded scholarships to the Irish National Stud. Luis, a Venezuelan native, and a graduate from the University of Kentucky's Equine Science and Management program has experience working at Stonerside, Juddmonte, with Brad Cox and is currently working in Australia with Godolphin. Grace, originally from South Carolina is a University of Kentucky senior majoring in Equine Science and Management and minoring in Business. She has worked in many areas of the business including Coldwater Farm, Blandford Stud, Godolphin at Jonabell Farm and Marette Farrell, agent.
The board was very encouraged this year with the quality of applications for its various programs and will be announcing soon other award winners including the recipients of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Experience Scholarship. In a change of format for this particular scholarship, the awardees will be placed for one year with Springhouse Farm in Lexington and Hunter Valley Farm in Versailles.
The board also extends its thanks to all participants and organizers of the second foundation golf tournament which takes place Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Houston Oaks in Paris. Our first year was such a success that we will once again have a full turnout of twenty-nine teams of four. Further details of the charity's work and programs can be found here.
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