With Spring slowly throwing off Winter's grip, it is time once again for the start of the Point to Point season in Maryland. First up is the Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point.
I've been to the course a few times before, so I know what to expect from the race course. Last year I had a Subscriber 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 Subscriber parking, but it's not a bad little walk downhill to the finish line, though not the sort of walk you'd want to make with too many picnic items and quite a hike back uphill to the car.
if you've been to the big races like Hunt Cup, Carolina Cup, Gold Cup or Foxfield, you'll find things a bit quieter here at the beginning of the season in Maryland. Quiet yes, but less exciting, never!
I've been to the course a few times before, so I know what to expect from the race course. Last year I had a Subscriber 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 Subscriber parking, but it's not a bad little walk downhill to the finish line, though not the sort of walk you'd want to make with too many picnic items and quite a hike back uphill to the car.
if you've been to the big races like Hunt Cup, Carolina Cup, Gold Cup or Foxfield, you'll find things a bit quieter here at the beginning of the season in Maryland. Quiet yes, but less exciting, never!
2012 Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point
This
race, like those at Cheshire the next day, 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. And regardless of what parking or tailgating option you choose, there are many excellent places from which you can watch the racing.
Like the Foxhall Farm Trophy two weeks before this race, this race occurs early 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 watching the races.
So be sure to dress for the weather. For me, that means a pair of wool socks and Wellies kept in my car the entire season just in case the ground requires something a bit warmer and drier than I had originally planned. I also dress in layers and make sure everything I'm wearing will still keep me warm even if I get wet. That means lots of wool and my well-worn waxed cotton from Barbour. I might smell like a wet sheep by the end of a rainy day, but at least I'll be warm!
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechase.com/main/gsv/datetime.htm
All Rights Reserved.
Like the Foxhall Farm Trophy two weeks before this race, this race occurs early 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 watching the races.
So be sure to dress for the weather. For me, that means a pair of wool socks and Wellies kept in my car the entire season just in case the ground requires something a bit warmer and drier than I had originally planned. I also dress in layers and make sure everything I'm wearing will still keep me warm even if I get wet. That means lots of wool and my well-worn waxed cotton from Barbour. I might smell like a wet sheep by the end of a rainy day, but at least I'll be warm!
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechase.com/main/gsv/datetime.htm
All Rights Reserved.
