Return to Monkton... The My Lady's Manor Races

This Saturday is the first of the "Big Three" Maryland Races, the My Lady's Manor Races. Just down the road from the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point held last weekend, but with a greater amount of advertising, which attracts a much wider audience. You will find many people here 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.

The My Lady's Manor Race was first run in 1900 on the farm of Mrs. Estelle H. Pearce, and after a brief hiatus, was established as an annual event in 1909 over about 3 1/2 miles. In 1922, the John Rush Streett Memorial was added to the Manor Race card. And even in the lean years of the Great Depresssion, the Manor Races nevertheless flourished, with as many as four races on the card in the mid 1930s. 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. Then in 1978, facing the presure of development, the race moved to its current location adjacent to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and Ladew Gardens. Even in this quiet part of the state, new houses have been built where famous race horses once battled it out for the finish line of the old course.

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.

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.

The crowd here is as varied as the vantage points from which to watch the races. The tailgates/picnics and clothing are also 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 for those who have not purchased theirs in advance.

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 second weekend in April regardless of the weather. I know that's where I will always be!

Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechase.com/main/mlm/datetime.htm

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