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. Even in the lean years of the Great Depression, the Manor Races flourished, with as many as four races on the card in the mid 1930s. The main race in these days was run over about 3 miles with 16 timber fences, a combination of stacked, board and rail.
2013 My Lady's Manor Races
For
69 years this 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. Facing the presure of development, the race moved to its current location
adjacent to the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and Ladew Gardens in 1978. 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.
The new course is adjacent to Ladew Gardens and all three races on the card today at the Manor Races are run over timber on a 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.
For those who are not familiar with Maryland steeplechase, there 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 of these timber fences, you hope for the best, for both horse and rider.
The new course is adjacent to Ladew Gardens and all three races on the card today at the Manor Races are run over timber on a 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.
For those who are not familiar with Maryland steeplechase, there 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 of these timber fences, you hope for the best, for both horse and rider.
2013 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, but like Elkridge-Harford, it is nearly impossible to see the entire course from one, or even two spots on the course.
The crowd at My Lady's Manor is as varied as the vantage points from 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.
Parking 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.
Like all of the races on the Spring schedule, 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'll always be!
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mlm/datetime.htm
All Rights Reserved.
The crowd at My Lady's Manor is as varied as the vantage points from 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.
Parking 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.
Like all of the races on the Spring schedule, 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'll always be!
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mlm/datetime.htm
All Rights Reserved.
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