Dilger Scholarship Foundation Names Newest Recipients

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation announced Jan. 12 the two newest recipients of scholarships awarded in the memory of Irish pinhooker and successful breeder, Gerry Dilger. These particular awards are granted to Irish citizens for the Irish National Stud program which Dilger himself completed, and includes fully paid tuition, room and board at the famed Kildare nursery. For 2025, County Meath natives Jordan Kidd and Tara Carroll are the worthy beneficiaries of these scholarships. Kidd impressed the board with his passion and enthusiasm as he seeks to obtain bloodstock experience having worked primarily on the racing side of the business. As a young amateur jockey, he has ridden winners for Gavin Cromwell and John McDonnell and has also worked for Pat Martin and Noel Meade. Kidd looks forward to increasing his knowledge of breeding at the Irish National Stud and in his own words he "loves going to work every day and desires to continue to make his mark with determination and versatility" Carroll graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Agricultural Science-Equine and has already, for such a young person, immersed herself in bloodstock internationally. She has competed successfully in Eventing in Ireland and enjoyed roles with trainers in Chantilly with Tim Donworth and Francis-Henri Graffard, Lexington with Andrew McKeever and in County Meath with Sheila Lavery. On the breeding side, Carroll has worked at Springhouse Farm in Lexington and gained invaluable sales experience with many consignors and bloodstock agents at Tattersalls, Goffs, Fasig Tipton Saratoga and Keeneland. Carroll's impressive resume also includes breeding her own mares and raising young horses. She states, "It is my goal to be successful in the Thoroughbred industry, to make a lasting impact and to give back to the industry that I love." Kidd and Carroll are both very driven and eager to absorb as much knowledge as they can, characteristics that the foundation recognizes and wishes to reward. Further scholarship information at www.gerrydilgerequine.com.