2011 Foxhall Farm Cup Team Chase Winning Team from the Green Spring Valley Hunt
This
race 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. The race is run by teams of three,
all regular followers of a recognized hunt, with strong representation
from the Maryland and Pennsylvania Hunts. 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.
Taking place early in the season, it is regularly postponed a week, as it was this year, or even cancelled by late arriving snows, but look forward to once again
attending this year. When I last attended, the race was
held on a brisk sunny early Spring afternoon at the Green Spring Valley
Hunt Club, current holders of the trophy. I can't think of a more
perfect place to be on such a spring day, but this is certainly not a
race for those more familiar with races as a social event. The "glamour
crowd" tends to pass this event by and the tents and lush tailgate
spreads are no where to be seen. There is no champagne. It's a very
simple affair and I can't say that I miss any of that at all.
Retired
Lawyer and former steeplechase jockey Turney McKnight explained the
race best in a 2009 Washington Post article, "the Foxhall race is really
more of a training ground." "The jockeys want to practice but not
overexercise the steeds," McKnight further explained.
2011 Foxhall Farm Cup Team Chase
Many
of the horses which run here will be seen competing in Maryland's
triple crown of Steeplechase, My Lady's Manor, Grand National and
Maryland Hunt Cup, as well as races further afield like Carolina Cup and
Virginia Gold Cup.
So whether you position yourself at the start/finish area, or at one of the fences along the course, you will be treated to a chance to watch some beautiful horses in some beautiful hunt country.
So whether you position yourself at the start/finish area, or at one of the fences along the course, you will be treated to a chance to watch some beautiful horses in some beautiful hunt country.
While attendance at the race is free, the Green Spring Valley Hunt were wonderful hosts after the race, with a donation request from non-participants.
This might not be a race that gets much attention, it has definitely earned a place upon my calender and where I will be found on Sunday, March 22nd, if the weather and my busy Spring schedule permits.
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechaseassociation.com/race-meets/the-foxhall-farm-trophy-chase/
All Rights Reserved.
This might not be a race that gets much attention, it has definitely earned a place upon my calender and where I will be found on Sunday, March 22nd, if the weather and my busy Spring schedule permits.
Check out the Maryland Steeplechase Association website for more information:
http://www.marylandsteeplechaseassociation.com/race-meets/the-foxhall-farm-trophy-chase/
All Rights Reserved.
