The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the most recent recipients of its awards granted to young people for the 2026 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course at the Irish National Stud.
The foundation selected Chance McKeever and Mark Schrenger as scholarship recipients for the world renowned training program. Chance, a Lexington, Kentucky, native is the son of Grade 1 winning trainer Andrew McKeever and has gained track experience as an assistant to his father at Keeneland and with Michael McCarthy. Chance is currently employed at Hunter Valley Farm in Versailles and has prepped yearlings at Springhouse Farm in Lexington. He commented "I am delighted to have been awarded this scholarship and through the Irish National Stud Program I hope to expand my understanding of the breeding business and build connections that will guide my future in the industry"
Mark Schrenger from Louisville, Kentucky, obtained a degree in finance from the University of Kentucky and in his spare time decided to immerse himself in all things equine that his home state has to offer.
Coincidentally, Mark has also worked on the track for Andrew McKeever and is currently with Springhouse Farm. His experience includes completing an internship at Churchill Downs and working on the starting gate at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington. Mark said "My experience and mentors have given me a deep appreciation for the commitment and attention to detail required at every stage, from breeding to racing. I am truly humbled to be a recipient of this Gerry Dilger Foundation scholarship and grateful for the opportunity it will give me to continue my journey in this exciting industry"
The foundation treasures its partnership with the Irish National Stud and recognizes its importance in nurturing and training young people just like it did with Gerry who completed this program in 1977.
The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation was established in 2020 by Gerry's family and friends in his memory and awards several scholarships annually in conjunction with various partners including The Irish National Stud and Kentucky farms which aim to identify the next generation of young people who wish to learn and advance in the bloodstock industry.
For further information go to www.gerrydilgerequine.com
