THREE talented young Irish horsepeople are preparing to take the next step in their bloodstock careers after being selected for the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation’s Kentucky Experience Awards.

Kildare’s Senan MacRedmond and Limerick native Catherine Donworth will join Hunter Valley Farm, while Tipperary’s Sarah O’Connor will begin a year-long placement at Springhouse Farm.

The awards offer emerging Irish talent the opportunity to develop their practical skills and experience life at the heart of the American thoroughbred breeding industry. Both host farms have strong Irish connections, continuing the legacy of the late Gerry Dilger, the renowned Irish-born horseman who built a highly-respected career in Kentucky.

Raised in Kildare and surrounded by horses, Senan MacRedmond already has considerable international racing experience. He spent time as an apprentice jockey with leading German trainer Peter Schiergen and has worked in Ireland with Johnny Murtagh, Martin Brassil, Ken Condon and Patrick Prendergast.

More recently, Senan has turned his attention to the bloodstock and breeding sector. He graduated from the Irish National Stud’s renowned Thoroughbred Breeding Management course and has assisted Cathy Grassick at Irish bloodstock sales.

“I am really looking forward to being placed at Hunter Valley,” Senan said. “My ambition is to further my knowledge and experience in the breeding industry and to continue learning from the best.”

Preparing yearlings

Joining him at Hunter Valley Farm will be Catherine Donworth from Co Limerick. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from the University of Limerick and, like Senan, is a graduate of this year’s Irish National Stud training programme.

Having grown up on her family’s horse farm, Catherine gained experience with several leading Limerick operations, including Ballyphilip Stud, Kilfrush Stud, Mount Coote Stud and Roundhill Stud. She also spent a summer preparing yearlings at Ecurie des Monceaux, one of France’s leading thoroughbred breeding farms.

“I am thrilled to be placed at Hunter Valley Farm,” Catherine said. “I am looking forward to beginning this next chapter and further developing my experience and knowledge within the thoroughbred industry.”

Tipperary native Sarah O’Connor will travel to Springhouse Farm with an equally strong foundation in the industry. She has worked with Kilsheelan Stud, Lyonstown Stud and her family’s Nodstown Stables.

Sarah has also gained international experience during a season at Coolmore Australia, where she attended the Magic Millions Yearling Sale. In addition to her equine experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies from South East Technological University.

“I’m particularly excited to experience the American sales circuit,” Sarah said. “I am really looking forward to life in Kentucky and beginning my placement at Springhouse Farm.”

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation said the three recipients had demonstrated that they deserved the opportunity to learn and develop their bloodstock skills in Kentucky.

“We believe they will further improve their horsemanship, while experiencing Kentucky and learning at two highly reputable stud farms with very strong Irish connections,” the board said.

Erin Dilger said the foundation had been delighted by the calibre of this year’s applicants.

“Thank you to our hardworking board members and our generous donors,” she said. “Without them, we could not do what we do.”