Santiago Cruz Receives Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship

The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation announced Nov. 4 that Normarie Santiago Cruz is the first recipient of three annual scholarships. In memory of Gerry Dilger, the scholarships are awarded to promote and encourage young people as they embark on a career in the bloodstock industry. 

Dilger, who operated Dromoland Farm near Lexington, died in early March.

Normarie has been selected by the board to receive funding and assistance to enable her to travel to Ireland in 2021, and enroll in the world-famous National Stud course in Kildare. She is a former Kentucky Equine Management Internship student and is pursuing a degree in Animal Science in her native home at the University of Puerto Rico. The foundation was set up in Dilger's memory to continue the great work he undertook over many years to encourage and inspire young people through his Dromoland Farm nursery.

"Normarie's profile and personality was exactly what Gerry looked for, and helped nurture in a young person seeking further knowledge and life experience in the horse business," Erin Dilger said. "Her spirit embodies Gerry's vision, and we know she genuinely appreciates and will embrace this deserved opportunity. The foundation is extremely grateful to the Irish National Stud for their support of this scholarship as Gerry himself was a 1977 graduate of its course."

"I'm very thankful and excited to receive the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship," Santiago Cruz said. "I feel very lucky and blessed to have this opportunity to visit Ireland, and work in the equine industry. This type of experience is not available in Puerto Rico."

The two additional scholarships sponsored by the foundation will award work placement in Kentucky for selected students from the University College Dublin and the University of Limerick, and will be announced at a later date.