USA scholarship opportunity

THE Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation is inviting applications for its next round of awards. The Foundation supports young Irish and American people who want to work in the thoroughbred industry by giving them paid experience and/or unique educational opportunities.

In July this year the next two successful Irish applicants will be heading to Kentucky for a 12-month paid placement with Fergus Galvin and Adrian Regan’s Hunter Valley Farm and Spider and Aisling Duignan’s Springhouse Farm. The scholarships include a paid Christmas holiday with a return to Kentucky as the foaling and breeding season begins. After wrapping up in June of 2027, graduates will have experienced world-class race meetings and sales, expanded their network, and gained a wealth of knowledge in the Kentucky thoroughbred industry.

The board encourages applications from people who have at least five years of experience working on a horse farm outside the United States, or are graduates of one of the recognised thoroughbred industry management programmes in Ireland. The deadline for applications is April 1st.

Web: gerrydilgerequine.com

Andrew ‘Frostie’ Kelly joins ITM

ANDREW ‘Frostie’ Kelly has joined the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing [ITM] as an international representative. He replaces Jeremy Greene. Kelly, who rode winners as professional jockey, was a jockeys’ agent and represented Davy Russell before taking a role with Horse Racing Ireland. Charles O’Neill, chief executive of ITM, said: “Andrew is a great addition to the team. He is in Saudi Arabia this weekend and has really got stuck in.” ITM has yet to find a replacement for Alex Cairns, who has been appointed marketing manager for the National Equine Campus (formerly RACE).

Death of trainer Paddy Brennan

FORMER racehorse trainer Paddy Brennan from Gowran in Co Kilkenny passed away unexpectedly last Sunday, aged 78. His funeral Mass and internment took place in Clara yesterday. Among his best racehorses were Linden and Marand. His family bred Gold Cup runner-up Leap Frog. He also trained greyhounds and operated Paddy’s Country Pub in Flagmount South near Gowran for over 40 years.