“I cannot begin to put into words how much I owe Gerry, for the opportunities he gave me. He was an outstanding horseman and the most generous man you could meet for giving time to help young people. From the day I arrived at Dromoland, he never stopped believing in me and is the sole reason that I got accepted onto Godolphin Flying Start. Without his belief, I would most definitely not be where I am today.
Since 2014, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world in the racing industry, and it didn’t matter where I was, somebody would fondly regale a story of Dromoland and Gerry Dilger. There are an endless list of people in the industry worldwide, thriving on the wisdom that Gerry imparted. He had a wonderful knack for spotting potential in both equine & human talent. A rare ability to put faith in young people and know that they would reward him for his time down the line. The best boss I have had to-date – his ability to stretch and challenge you, yet give comfort that he always had your back, resulted in countless people developing their horsemanship under his tutelage.
Working at Dromoland was never just a job, it was embracing an extended family.
Mentors like Gerry are rare, out in the lunge pit with the Ralph Lauren sleeves rolled up, telling us “you can’t buy those hands in Walmart”, but I couldn’t think of a more fitting way than this scholarship, to ensure Gerry’s legacy lives on.”
Emma Pugsley (Dromoland 2014)
Nominations, Coolmore Australia