And so the Steeplechases Begin...

Every year, the Foxhall Farm Trophy Chase kicks off Maryland's steeplechase season in late March. This is probably the least known of all the Maryland Races despite having perhaps the largest trophy of any of the races.

2011 Foxhall Farm Trophy Chase Winning Team from the Green Spring Valley Hunt

It began in 1920 over timber at the Monkton, Maryland home of renowned American sportsman, Foxhall P. Keene. His intent was to encourage participation in the sport and the race is run by teams of three, all regular followers of a recognized hunt. To honor the winning team, Keene commissioned a challenge cup which was to be held by the victorious hunt until the next renewal if the race. Made of sterling silver, it is one of the most impressive trophies in the sport.

I was unable to make the race this year, but last year it was held on a brisk sunny early Spring afternoon at the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club, current holders of the trophy. A really beautiful day, but for those who are used to the races as a social event rather than a horse race some things were absent. There was no "glamour crowd." There were no tents or lush tailgate spreads. There was no champagne. It was a very simple affair and I can't say I missed any of it at all.

"The Foxhall race is really more of a training ground," explained retired lawyer and former steeplechase jockey Turney McKnight, in a 2009 Washington Post article.

2011 Foxhall Farm Trophy Chase

Many of these same horses will compete in Maryland's triple crown of Steeplechase, My Lady's Manor, Grand National and Maryland Hunt Cup, as well as further afield like Carolina Cup and Virginia Gold Cup. "The jockeys want to practice but not overexercise the steeds," McKnight further explained.

The Green Spring Hunt were wonderful hosts after the race. Might not be a race that gets much attention, but it will definitely remain on my calendar for years to come.

Howard County-Iron Bridge used to be next up in the order of races, but some late season snow falls, they moved to the other side of the Hunt Cup and have remained there this year, so these is usually a week off between Foxhall Farm and the rest of the Maryland season.

Next up is the Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point. I've been to the course before, so I know what to expect from the race course. I've arrived with a gifted Horseman's Pass which had me down by the trailers a distance from the actual finish line, and more recently with a Patrons Pass, which places you atop a hill above the finish line and encircled by the newly realigned course. Because of the topography, you can't quite see the finish from the Patron parking, but it's not a bad little walk downhill to the finish line, though not the sort of walk you'd want with too many picnic items and quite a hike back to the car uphill.

Outriders at the 2012 Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point

This race, like those at Cheshire a week earlier, are chances for the horses to prepare themselves for the big three races, which are held the last three Saturdays in April. Every other race lines up on those three.

Green Spring is held at Shawan Downs, a large tract of land which was saved from development by the many members of the horse community and has been developed as an equestrian park, hosting a variety of events on its grounds. With a variety of parking options and tailgating options, this race has a large hillside from which you can watch see the horses run.

Like Foxhall Farm, this is an early race in the season, so the weather can be cold, windy and wet. But if you love Steeplechase, I can't think of any place I'd rather be that day.

2011 Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point

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