Two Weeks of Amazing Racing in Monkton...

So what is the difference between and Point-to-Point and a Steeplechase? Well in the UK, the Steeplechases are held over permanent courses using National Hunt rules and Point-to-Points are traditionally over ad hoc courses, though many are held on permanent courses now. But for the average spectator, there is no noticeable difference between the two types of racing, especially in the US, other than a difference in names used for them.

2012 Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point

Last on the list before the "big three" is the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point. It's held each year at Atlanta Hall Farm, in Monkton, Maryland. I don't know what it is about this race which I like so much, but it's certainly a favorite, which is saying a lot given how much I like the rest of the races in Maryland. Again, like Green Spring, this is an early season race, so be prepared for cool, windy and/or wet. I rarely head to any of the races without my Barbour and wellies in my car.

This race is not heavily advertised. As a matter of fact, even aware of where I was headed, I drove right past Pocock Road and had to turn around, as there was no sign even mentioning the races were being held that day.

But what this race lacks in advertising, it makes up for in style and racing. The course has 15 timber fences, a combination of stacked, board, rail and coop, over about 3 miles.

2012 Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point

I should also note, that tailgating at both Green Spring and Elkridge-Harford are very casual informal affairs. That isn't to say they are pedestrian, just not over the top. Think classic, old fashioned tailgating.

The vast majority of those in attendance at this race, like Green Spring, are either closely connecting with the hunt or racing, or they are fairly serious followers of the sport.

The following weekend, just down the road is the first of the "Big Three" of Maryland Steeplechase Racing. With a greater amount of advertising, they attract a much wider audience and here you will find many people who have never watched a race before, and quite a few who probably never even see the horses run while they are at the races.

This first "big race" is the My Lady's Manor Races. This race was first run in 1902 and after a brief hiatus, was established as an annual event in 1909. In 1922, the John Rush Street Memorial was added to the Manor Race card. Even in the lean years of the Great Depresssion, the Manor Races flourished nevertheless, with as many as four races on the card. The main race was run over about 3 miles with 16 timber fences, a combination of stacked, board and rail.

2012 My Lady's Manor Races

For 69 years  the race was run over a course on the Secor, Pearce, Riggs and Warfield properties in Monkton, Maryland near the intersection of Monkton and Markoe Roads. Even in this quite part of the state, new houses have been built where famous race horses once battled it out for the finish line. Then in 1978, the race moved to its current location adjacent to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and Ladew Gardens.

All three races on the card today at the Manor Races are run over timber on the 3 mile course of 16 timber fences. The fences on the course are set at about 3 foot 7 inches, which are the lowest fences of the big three races in Maryland.

And this is something else which really sets Maryland racing apart from other places in America. Maryland is known for timber racing. They jump a combination of stacked, board and rail fences, all very hard and unforgiving. Those soft brush fences which are seen elsewhere are not found in Maryland and when a horse comes into contact with one, you hope for the best for both horse and rider.

2012 My Lady's Manor Races

At the Manor Races, you need to take your time to find the right spot from which to watch the races. There are quite a few different options and everyone seems to have their favorites.

And the crowd here is as varied as the vantage point form which to watch the races. The tailgates/picnics and clothing are found in a wide range of styles to suit each of the many spectators. The Manor Races probably represent the most socially diverse crowd of any of the the big three races, and passes are available next door to the course at Ladew Gardens on the day of the race.

And like all of the races, they are held rain or shine, so first dress for the weather and then for the occasion. While those bad days might not be for everyone, the loyal followers of the sport will always be found in Monkton the first two weekends in April regardless of the weather. I know that's where I will always be!

All Rights Reserved.