Coolmore worker wins prestigious scholarship to the Irish National Stud for 2022

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Foundation has announced the second of its one-time-only scholarships for 2022.

Earlier this year the foundation had granted its first for a student enrolled in the University of Kentucky Equine Program. Its second is heading the way of Roisin Whelan, who will be the recipient of a scholarship to the Irish National Stud for 2022.

The foundation has been so well supported by a multitude of donors worldwide that it was in a position to grant extra scholarships, and Whelan has been awarded this particular grant, which was created to give an Irish citizen the opportunity to attend the world-renowned course in Kildare.

Originally from Milltown, County Kerry, Roisin came highly recommended to the board and impressed with her early experience and enthusiasm, having already worked on farms in Ireland and Australia since leaving school a few years ago.

She has worked three breeding seasons at Coolmore Stud in Ireland and one season at Coolmore Australia. In addition, she did two seasons of yearling prep at Ashtown Stud in Ireland and has spent time with Ballydoyle Racing. Throughout these work experiences she has shown great enthusiasm, coupled with a strong work ethic, to learn as much as she can about the bloodstock industry.

The board felt that Whelan deserved this opportunity to further enhance her skills and knowledge of the business, and believes she will thrive while participating in the Irish National Stud programme from which Gerry Dilger graduated in 1977.

Whelan said: "I would like to sincerely thank you for providing me with this opportunity, it really means a lot and will help immensely over the cost of the programme."

Erin Dilger said: "Roisin is such a deserving candidate and we are so happy to be able to provide this scholarship. We wish her much success at the Irish National Stud this coming January."

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