The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation announced Sept. 9 its latest scholarship recipients for the 2024 Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Program. The scholarships have been awarded to Luis Ettedgui and Grace Hamilton.
Ettedgui is a Venezuelan native and a graduate from the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science and Management program. During his time in Kentucky, he spent two breaking seasons at Juddmonte Farms’ yearling division, one year working under trainer Brad Cox, and a breeding season at Godolphin’s Stonerside Farm. He owes much of his personal upbringing to farm managers Garrett O’Rourke and Gerry Duffy as well as assistant trainer Tessa Walden for their guidance and support throughout his early career as a horseman.
Ettedgui said: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the Irish National Stud and to be awarded as the recipient of the Gerry Dilger Scholarship and hope to gain knowledge from a different perspective on Thoroughbred breeding management during my time on the course.”
Grace Hamilton
Hamilton, from Bluffton, S.C., is a University of Kentucky senior majoring in Equine Science and Management and minoring in Business. She has worked in various Thoroughbred industry roles in Kentucky since 2020, including working with broodmares and foals at Coldwater Farm, and gaining experience at major Thoroughbred yearling sales in multiple positions for Blandford Stud and Marette Farrell. In addition, Hamilton recently completed her for-credit internship at Godolphin’s Jonabell Farm where she assisted with research projects and gave tours of the stallion complex.
Hamilton said: “I want to thank the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation and the Dilger family for all the work they do for people pursuing careers in the Thoroughbred industry. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to representing them this spring at the Irish National Stud.”
The Irish National Stud’s six-month residential course, which commences in January each year, runs for the duration of the breeding season. A particular strength of the program is the emphasis placed on applied and practical skills that aim to ensure graduates have a comprehensive understanding of the Thoroughbred industry. Students also develop in-depth knowledge of the global Thoroughbred industry through all stages of the program.
Directors of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation said the quality of applications received this year was exceptional, and the board is greatly encouraged that so many young and highly motivated people choose to pursue a career in the bloodstock industry. More information on the range of scholarships available can be found at gerrydilgerequine.com.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
