by Mike Ryan Dilger will stir up plenty of emotions when he steps up to 42nd in the $400,000 Lexington Stakes (G3) on April 13 at Keeneland. The 3-year-old colt is named after Gerry Dilger, a beloved Central Kentucky breeder, owner and stock dealer who passed away at age 61 in 2020.
“Gerry is on my mind every day,” said Ryan, who bred Dilger under his Demers Bloodstock banner and named him after his close friend. “He was a wonderful human being, a wonderful friend and a wonderful family man. He was respected and admired by everyone. We were friends and business partners for 40 years , and he left a void in my life. I asked the Dilger (family)” if I could name it in honor of Gerry, and they would be delighted. I thought it would be appropriate to name a horse that I really like, that would run in our own colors in memory of Gerry.”
MITCHELL: Dilger died at age 61
Starting from third place for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., Dilger entered Lexington with a straight win at Gulfstream Park in the first race on March 16 under Tyler Gaffalione, who will return in action on Saturday. Dilger is 12-1 on the morning road.
“He has a lot of talent,” Ryan said of Dilger. “We’re trying to figure out if he wants to go two turns; he’s bred to go two turns. He likes to have a horse (in front) to run. That’s where he’s at.” best condition.”
By Europe’s leading sire Lope de Vega Dilger comes from the family of the 2022 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Zandon . Ryan, as agent, purchased Zandon at Keeneland’s September 2020 annual sale to owner Jeffrey Drown.
Gerry Dilger, a native of County Clare, Ireland, came to the United States at the age of 19. In 1994, he founded Dromoland Farms in Lexington, which quickly grew into a leading breeder and consignor. On behalf of Santa Rosa Partners, he and Ryan sired the 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always dream sold by Dromoland at the Keeneland September 2015 Sale.
(LR:) Mike Ryan and Gerry Dilger in 2017 at Dromoland Farm
In 2018, Dilger was honored with the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s annual Wild Goose Award, given to an individual who has excelled outside his native Ireland while “flying the Irish flag”. with pride on the global stage”.
Now, he is also remembered through the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, established shortly after his death for young people interested in a career in the thoroughbred industry.
On Saturday, Dilger’s widow, Erin, and two of their three children, Claire and Joseph, are expected to be in Keeneland. Ryan and the Dilgers’ other child, Grace, will not be able to attend.
“Stonestreet (Lexington Stakes) is in our hometown,” Ryan said. “My family will be there, and Dilgers will be there. There will be as much love and emotion as the day (the colt) won at Gulfstream.”
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
