In & Around Horse Country

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY, 60 ALEXANDRIA PIKE, WARRENTON, VA 20186

VOLUME XXV / NUMBER 4 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • JUNE/JULY 2013

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

Junior Handlers

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HOUND SHOWS

Virginia Foxhound Club Show Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia • May 26, 2013 • Janet Hitchen photos

Peter Hood with Belmont, Piedmont Hunt.

Willow Bennett, Golden's Bridge Hounds, winner of the Junior Handler Class, Ages 10 and Under.

Lydia Eifler, 3rd, Ages 10 and Under, with a Long Run hound.

Grace Garvill, 4th, Ages 10 and Under, Middleburg Hunt.

Andrew Looney, Middleburg Hunt.

Amelia Gray Allen, Piedmont Hunt.

Lily Adams, 2nd, Ages 10 and Under with a New Market-Middletown hound.

Clemie Cahir, fifth place, Ages 10 and Under, with a Middleburg Hunt hound.

Clayton Paxson, River Hills Foxhounds.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Museum of Hounds & Hunting NA Opens the New Season The Museum of Hounds & Hunting NA opened its season with a reception for 200 members and guests Saturday evening, May 26, 2013 at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia.

The Virginia Foxhound Show took place on the grounds the following day.

Visitors viewed new exhibits featuring art and artifacts of the Warrenton Hunt established in 1887 and celeMHHNA Members Reception. Lauren R. Giannini photos brating its 125th anniversary.

Warrenton’s three current Masters of Fox Hounds, Kim Nash, Celeste Vella, and Rick Laimbeer, graciously sponsored the Member’s Reception.

The exhibit will run until next year, with some of the Warrenton artifacts retiring on June 15, 2013. On display are original Wesley Dennis drawings of comical hunting scenes created for the Warrenton Hunt map and portraits of Masters Julian Chilton Keith by Murray Black, Bambe Wilson by Joseph Abbrescia, Russell M. Arundel by Michael Lynes, and Viola Winmill, driving her six-in-hand, by E. Tuckerman Biays. Nineteen watercolors of Warrenton Hounds and one Jack Russell

by Michael Lynes are also displayed. A 1908 painting of Mr. Maddux, first Master of the Warrenton Hunt, by Richard Newton, Jr., is the centerpiece of the exhibit.

Virginia Gold Cup memorabilia from the 1920s includes a 1922 Steward’s Badge, course maps and programs for the 1930 and 1931 race meets. A 1929 menu proposal for guests of the Gold Cup was of great interest.

Eclipse award winner Douglas Lees’ black and Norman Fine and Doc Addis. white photographs from the 1960s until 2010 highlight members, huntsmen, and hounds in the field. Two enlarged photos of Mrs. Robert C. Winmill, one of the first ladies of American foxhunting, caught everyone’s attention: Mrs. Winmill in a photo finish racing sidesaddle and Mrs. Winmill, riding sidesaddle, with three riders, one being Eugene C. Cunningham, in front of a seemingly two story high hay stack.

Other black and white photographs by sporting photographers Marshall Hawkins, Doug Hayes and Robert M. “Pooch” McClanahan enhance the exhibit.

The hunting horns of former huntsmen and masters of the Warrenton Hunt, including those of Sally Tufts, Baldwin Day Spilman, W. Henry Pool, Russell M. Arundel and Jim Atkins, were of special interest to the many huntsmen touring the exhibit.

In the Huntsmen’s Room, guests watched a Warrenton Hunt DVD showing vintage hunting footage in the 1920s by Pathe News. The second half of the DVD shows the Warrenton Hunt today with interviews of the Masters, Sherman P. Haight and Harry Wilmerding. huntsmen, and whippers-in explaining mounted hunting with hounds.

Well-known foxhunter Francis Green’s hunting diary excerpts printed in the local Fauquier Times-Democrat were recreated for easy reading in the Huntsman’s

ON THE COVER: Connor Poe, 13, a junior member of Old Dominion Hounds, won the Junior Handlers competition, 11-16 age group, at the Virginia Hound Show. He was partnered with ODH “Dartmoor.”

Janet Hitchen photo

PHOTOGRAPHERS: www.bellavitaequestrian.com Sammy Buczkowski Wendy Butler Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com Jake Carle Jennifer Carpenter Susan M. Carter Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Elizabeth Douglas Lauren R. Giannini Janet Hitchen 540-837-9846 www.janethitchenphotography.com Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.com Jim Mccue/Maryland Jockey Club Jim Meads, U.K. 011-44-1686-420436 NYRA Betsy Burke Parker Sue Rowdon Jennifer Staiano, FLSportHorse Photography Maximillian Tufts Martha Wolfe

Room, as was the 1932 Washington Post pictorial spread of Julian C. Keith’s eightieth birthday celebration where he donned his scarlet coat to celebrate the day.

Other interesting memorabilia include Warrenton’s very own Hunt Song by W. B. Streett, point-to-point programs, trophies, and diaries. The Museum of Hounds and Hunting NA, located in the Mansion at Morven Park, is open most days of the week, 11 to 4. It is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and some holidays. Visit www.mhhna.org or www.facebook.com/museumofhoundsandhuntingnorthamerica.

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Virginia Region Pony Club Competes at Rolex Members of Casanova-Warrenton Pony Club (CWPC) recently competed in the annual United States Pony Club (USPC) Prince Philip Cup mounted games competition held during Rolex International CC1**** at Lexington, Kentucky, April 2528, 2013. Mounted games is an equestrian discipline of exciting relays and obstacles courses on horseback.

The CWPC Team (We Got Game!) included Virginians Ronald Borta (D3) of Warrenton, Virginia Carpenter (C1) of Purcellville, Margaret Groux (C1) of Broad Run, Grace Hecker (D3) of Alexandria, and Robin Peterson (C1) of Middleburg.

(The letters, followed by a number signify each rider’s rating in the Pony Club system, a progres- Virginia Region Pony Club team We Got Game! poses at sive ranking of D-A earned Rolex Stadium: (l-r) Margaret Groux, Grace through both mounted and horse Hecker, Robin Peterson, Virginia Carpenter, and Ronald Borta. Jennifer Carpenter photo management training.)

Teams from other USPC regions included the North Central Prairie Region team Cyclones, the Midsouth Region team Tootsie Pops, and the Capital Region team Hyperactive. The Virginia Region Pony Club team placed 4th, one point behind the Cyclones. All the United States Pony Club participants are winners to have been invited to ROLEX 3 Day Event as exhibitors and to serve as the face of USPC at this prestigious competition.

Prince Philip inaugurated the Cup challenge in 1957 in England. The Prince Philip Cup was brought to the United States in 1985 to promote the advancement of mounted games. Over the last 25 years, the Cup challenge has annually brought the four best United States Pony Club junior teams in the USA to vie for the honor of having their names inscribed on the silver cup.

The purpose of The Prince Philip Cup competition is to provide positive exposure for Pony Club to international competitors (many of whom are current or graduate Pony Club members) and spectators at major events such as Rolex. Competing at these highly visible venues serves to introduce and strengthen the image of Pony Club to the equestrian world.

You do not have to own a horse to be a member of Casanova-Warrenton Pony Club. Youth and their families are encouraged to join Pony Club to learn about the care, costs, and responsibilities before taking the plunge into horse ownership.

Pony Club membership opens a huge network of trusted families, professionals, experienced horse owners, and USPC members and alumni all who share the enthusiasm for “life skills through horsemanship” USPC offers. Opportunities for instruction, to ride, to compete, equipment, and ponies for loan, lease, or sale all become available through the local club and beyond.

More info. at: www.sites.google.com/site/casanovawarrentonponyclub/home.

Regular subscription 6 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

is a bimonthly publication.

Editorial and Advertising Address: 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 For information and advertising rates, please call (540) 347-3141, fax (540) 347-7141 Space Deadline for the August/September issue is July 15. Payment in full due with copy.

Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Mary Cox (540) 636-7688 Email: hcmaryads@embarqmail.com Contributors: Aga, Jake Carle, Marylu Gallagher, Lauren R. Giannini, Jim Meads, Will O’Keefe, Margrete Stevens, Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Martha Wolfe, Daphne Wood, Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright 2013 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXV, No.4 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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A Hunt Ball to Remember

HUNT BALLS

By Margrete Stevens • Maximillian Tufts photo The 2012-13 season marked the 125th Anniversary of the Warrenton Hunt. After a fine hunting season, the culmination of the celebrations of this important milestone took place on April 13 at Elway Hall in Warrenton, Virginia, in the form of a splendid ball attended by nearly 200 subscribers, landowners, and friends of the Warrenton Hunt. The celebration at Elway was made possible by the kind invitation of Barry Dixon and Will Thomas who graciously opened their home to the Hunt on this happy occasion.

A lovely spring evening allowed Joint Masters Kim Nash MFH, Rick Laimbeer MFH, and Celeste Vella MFH to greet arriving guests as they entered Elway. Elway’s connection to the Warrenton Hunt goes back nearly a hundred years, to the days when the property was owned by the Spilman family.

Baldwin Day Spilman, the son of General B. D. Spilman and his wife, Annie, for whom the house was originally built, served as MFH from Elway Hall.

1925-1927 and his brother-in-law, John Chauncy Williams, served as MFH from 1912-1921.

Baldwin Day Spilman’s daughter, Sally Tufts, served as MFH from 1978-2000.

Sally Tuft’s 80th birthday was celebrated at Elway a few years ago. It was Sally Tufts who built the current WH Kennels in 1978, and every meet at the Kennels begins in front of Elway.

Back to the Ball: Cocktails, canapés and lively conversation kept guests busy, while the band Jukeboxx kept an agile crowd on their feet until late into the night.

Meanwhile, a special highlight of the evening was the showing of a film of the Warrenton Hunt, which included footage from both bygone years and the recent anniversary season, Michele Mitchell, Barry Dixon (host and owner of Elway Hall), Sam Mitchell. recalling many thrilling moments taken at various meets in Warrenton Hunt territory.

Supper was served late in Elway’s dining room, which, like the rest of the house, had been decorated with magnificent displays of seasonal flowers.

In years to come, as riders and hounds traverse the lands of Elway Hall, many will think back to that special, balmy evening in April 2013 when the old house lit up and welcomed the Hunt for a grand birthday party.

Dining room.

Margrete and Mike Stevens.

Library.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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HOUND SHOWS

Mooreland “Wary” Wins Virginia Hound Show Grand Championship

By Lauren R. Giannini • Jim Meads photos

Grand Champion Foxhound and Champion Crossbred Mooreland “Wary.”

Reserve Grand Champion and American Dog Champion Potomac “Templeton” and Laura Pitts.

American Bitch Champion Brazos Valley “Marley” and Sandy Dixon, MFH.

Single American Dog Entered Brazos Valley “Mystic” and Sandy Dixon, MFH.

On May 26 at the Virginia Foxhound Club’s 66th Annual Show of Foxhounds, Dr. John van Nagell Jr., MFH Iroquois, judge of the Grand Championship, testified to the importance of the occasion: “Coming to Virginia, you’re coming to the best show and you expect the best hounds there. A hound that wins in Virginia has to be a very fine hound.”

Four very fine Foxhound champions exhibited on the front lawn at Morven Park at the end of a long day: Potomac “Templeton” (American), Hillsboro “Sable” (English), Golden’s Bridge “Phoenix” (Penn-Marydel), and Mooreland “Wary” (Crossbred), who resembled poetry in motion as she showed off joyfully for huntsman Rhodri Jones-Evans.

That dazzling display of elegant and graceful athleticism proved to be the decider in van Nagell’s choice for the Grand Champion. “I was trying to evaluate each hound individually and see that they have the qualities that establish the standard for their breeds,” he stated.

“Wary is a marvelously moving hound and I thought she was an extremely high quality hound. She had all the distinguishing characteristics for a Crossbred, including conformation, and exhibited even better movement. You can’t beat that.”

Reserve Grand Championship honors were awarded to Potomac “Templeton,” shown by Laura Pitts, about whom van Nagell said, “He was outstanding, a powerful hound. If you have American hounds, I think a lot of people would love to breed to him.”

While Mooreland Hunt has won the Crossbred ring championship and competed for the Grand Championship (“Edna” in 2008), this was their firstever Best In Show. Senior master Leslie Rhett Crosby wasn’t on hand when the Mooreland bitch earned the judge’s nod. “My son graduated from high school – it was an easy choice to make, but I sure missed being there to see Wary win,” Crosby explained. “Several friends kept sending me blow-by-blow texts and photos. Wary is a great hunter and she moves across the country beautifully. All our hounds hunt and hunt well.

Our huntsman Rhod absolutely gets tremendous credit for breeding this pack.”

American Foxhounds Potomac and Brazos Valley duked it out, making bloodlines an interesting factor in the large versus small kennel results in the American ring. Potomac “Templeton” earned the dog championship over Brazos Valley “Mystic,” but the Texas pack showed girl-power: Brazos Valley “Marley” won the Bitch Championship, “Meadow” was best Brood Bitch.

“We had a great show, I enjoyed every minute of it,” declared Sandy Dixon, senior MFH/huntsman for Brazos Valley since 1994. “I’ve always felt that the Virginia Hound Show is the championship of all the other shows.”

Dixon credits the infusion of top American blood for their success in the hunt field and the ring. “I started out using Albert Poe’s Middleburg-Piedmont line, and along the way integrated Larry Pitts’ hounds,” she said. “Justice is by Larry’s Jefferson, and Meadow, my brood bitch, is also by Jefferson. This is the first time we’ve won a championship at the Virginia Hound

Show. We’ve been bridesmaid many, many times. It made me cry.”

Brazos Valley “Marley” trumped Potomac “Knickers” for the American Bitch Championship.

When “Marley” went up against Potomac “Templeton,” judges Mason Lampton, MFH Midland, and Linda Armbrust, MFH Blue Ridge, awarded the breed trophy to “Templeton” and reserve honors to “Marley.”

“Larry Pitts is always more than generous,” said Dixon. “We brought Meadow home from Larry’s when she was about four months old – she’s by Jefferson out of Potomac Mallow – and obviously we bred off that line to my Catfish, whose lines are PiedmontMiddleburg. Marley was so much fun to show. I couldn’t have asked any more of her. Mason said let her go, and Marley ran the entire time, back and forth, her tail tucked, doing wheelies. I swear she was grinning. I was so proud of her. Justice did well too, and my big dog hound Mystic was littermate to Marley – both out of Meadow. We had a really good day.”

Essex Fox Hounds enjoyed their “working holiday” with several wins, “Roadster” claiming Best Unentered Hound. Rolling Rock “David” earned Best Stallion Hound, his Potomac bloodlines adding cachet to the win over second placed Potomac “Windsor” (by “Jefferson”).

All in all, when you look at the bloodlines, it was a great day for Potomac.

Crossbred Foxhounds Cross-bred enthusiasts enjoyed a two-ring field day.

Couple of Crossbred Dogs Unentered Howard County “Eclipse” & “Epic.”

Ben Hardaway held court in a golf cart, and the usual “large kennel” Titans were bested by hounds that they had bred and sent to other packs.

In the “less than 35 couple” Crossbred ring, presided over by John P. Ike, MFH Millbrook, and Mrs. Parker Thorne, MFH Millbrook, Howard County-Iron Bridge dominated, winning seven classes, including Best Stallion Hound (“Patuxent”) and Best Stallion Hound shown with three get (“Lawyer” sired by Potomac Bishop).

Crossbred Dog Champion Midland “Tony.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

Mrs. Alastair Jackson, ex-MFH Moreton UK, judged the “35 or more Couple” ring, which looked at first like a sparring contest between Midland and Live Oak, but turned into Mooreland’s day of glory. Live Oak “Assault” claimed the Reserve Dog Champion and Best Unentered Hound. Midland “Tony” garnered the Crossbred Dog Championship.

Mooreland came into its own when “Wary” won the Entered Bitch class and continued to dance her way into the record books, earning the Crossbred Bitch Championship over Why Worry “Agatha” who garnered the reserve tri-color. The daughter of 2007 Grand Champion Fox River Valley “Keg” met and bested “Keg’s” grandson, Midland “Tony,” for the Crossbred title.

Jones-Evans had every reason to celebrate nine seasons as Mooreland’s huntsman. He had spent two years each with Midland and Fox River Valley, learning and establishing great connections. He arranged a mating between Whiskey Road “Windfall” and Midland “Penn” that produced Mooreland “Wedlock” and three years ago Jones-Evans bred “Wedlock” to “Keg”: the result was Mooreland “Wary,” this year’s Grand Champion, who just finished her first season.

English Foxhounds Blue Ridge “Monarch” placed first in Unentered Dog and carried home the Reserve Dog Championship. Live Oak added to their trophy collection with wins by “Steamy” (Best Brood Bitch), “Farquhar” (Best Stallion Hound), and “Maximus” (Stallion Shown With Three Get). Alastair Jackson, ex-MFH Moreton (UK), bestowed the English Dog Championship on Live Oak “Dandy.”

Hillsboro earned bragging rights when their “Sable” won the Bitch championship, Best Unentered English Hound over Blue Ridge “Monarch” and then triumphed over Live Oak “Dandy” for the English breed title.

Hillsboro Hunt Secretary William D. Haggard IV said, “Henry Hooker’s pack has been a running pack, a great hunting pack, and our hounds were good in field trials, and now all of a sudden we’re getting there in the hound shows. This was our first championship at the Virginia Hound Show. It’s the best we’ve ever done, and the whole club is ecstatic.”

Huntsman Johnny Gray declared, “Sable was a gift from Live Oak as a puppy, and we’re awfully grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Wood for their generosity. Sable will be important and improve our breeding program for Champion English Foxhound years to come. It Hillsboro “Sable.” was great – all day our people were calling Henry. Henry’s nephew Orrin Ingram, one of our three masters, and Bill Haggard were both updating him. Henry’s still on cloud nine – we all are.”

Gray has been Hillsboro’s huntsman for 33 years and served as one of the panelists for Saturday’s whipper-in seminar. “I think they should have more seminars like this, even for field members – any aspect of hunting that’s educational and makes the public better aware,” he emphasized. “It was a great seminar and had a lot of information and positive thoughts about hunting and hounds.”

Penn-Marydel Foxhounds Mrs. Jane T. Fowler, AKC judge, and Scott Dove, MFH

Old Dominion, awarded top honors to Aiken’s Shakerag “Sarah” as Best Registered Brood Bitch. With two offspring that had won two years ago with their sire, “Sarah” won the Brood Bitch or Stallion with Get class.

“Sarah” harvested the Registered Penn-Marydel Bitch Championship, but curtsied to Golden’s Bridge “Phoenix” for the breed championship.

Long Run Hounds won four classes, and their “Shawnee” claimed the reserve tri-color for the Listed Hound Championship, won by Marlborough “Snowie.”

Golden’s Bridge winners included three firstplaced Couple, “Riley” won Stallion Hound and their “Savvy” (Registered Bitch, Unentered) beat Moore County “Ensign” for the Registered Unentered PennMarydel Hound Championship.

“Phoenix did well as a puppy and, last year, as an unentered hound, he won every class at Virginia, so I expected him to do well this year,” admitted Ciaran Murphy, huntsman for Golden’s Bridge. “He’s very correct. He has great legs and great feet. It’s also great that he’s such a good hunting dog. It was nice to see so many nice hounds across the boards. We did well with our bitches and with our dogs – eight first place ribbons overall, six seconds and thirds and fourths. It was a very good show.”

Performance Hound Class & Sporting/ Social Traditions The Ben Hardaway III Perpetual Cup, awarded to the Best Sanctioned Performance Trial Hound, went home with Full Cry “Clifton.” Midland “Lottie” finished second, followed by Full Cry “Lara” and “Luxury.” The class takes place after the pack classes and before the judging of the Grand Championship. A good-sized crowd stayed the distance, enjoying “hospitality” courtesy of Farmington Hunt’s Pat Butterfield, MFH; Sherry Buttrick, ex-MFH; and Tom Bishop, ex-MFH. At noon on Sunday Junior Handlers competed in the Penn-Marydel ring for judges K.T. Atkins and Amanda Choby. Willow Bennett, representing Golden’s Bridge, won the 10 and unders, while Old Dominion’s Connor Poe prevailed in the 11 to 16 group. Tactics to coax hounds to strut their stuff entertained all who watched.

The official reception to celebrate the seasonal opening of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting of North America took place Saturday evening in the MHHNA wing of the Morven Park mansion. The exhibits are delightful and worth a trip to bask in the hallowed timelessness of ars venatica. Upstairs in the ballroom, enthusiasts enjoyed the buffet while meeting up with people they might not have seen since last year.

The Virginia Foxhound Club’s annual subscription dinner took place under the big tent on the mansion’s front lawn. When the horn blowing contest got underway, a decent crowd jockeyed for position. Ciaran Murphy (Golden’s Bridge) won his first ever hornblowing contest, Dale Barnett (Live Oak) finished second, with third place to Steve Farrin (Amwell Valley).

On Sunday after the Grand Championship guests mingled near the big tent on the lawn. The Decorated Museum of Hounds and Hunting “limos” continued to ferry guests to the kennels and various parking areas.

Perfect weather continued, the air spiced with the melodious voices of hounds enjoying themselves after an eventful day.

“In my opinion there is no finer show than Virginia and both Joan Jones and Bob Ferrer deserve all the credit in the world,” commented van Nagell. “Joan has stood for excellence for so many years and, since Bob joined the show, Virginia is even more outstanding.”

For more information: www.mfha.org and www.virginiafoxhoundclub.org.

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Single English Dog Unentered and Reserve Dog Champion Blue Ridge “Monarch.”

Reserve Penn-Marydel Foxhound Aiken’s Shakerag “Sarah.”

Champion Penn-Marydel Golden’s Bridge “Phoenix” and Ciaran Murphy.

The Ben Hardaway III Perpetual Cup, awarded to the Best Sanctioned Performance Trial Hound Full Cry “Clifton.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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PUPPY SHOW Middleburg Hunt Puppy Show Huntland Kennels • May 11, 2013 Liz Callar Photos “Mason” was selected as the Champion Puppy at the inaugural Middleburg Hunt Puppy Show.

The perpetual Huntland Cup was donated by Dr. Betsee Parker to honor the Champion Puppy.

Middleburg Huntsman Barry Magner puts a couple of his young charges through their paces for the judges.

Judges Dr. Roger Scullin, MFH, Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds and Mrs. Rodion Cantacuzene, ex-MFH, Middleburg Hunt; current Middleburg Hunt MFHs Penny Denegre and Jeff Blue. (Front) Reilly Canard, holding “Sable,” won the Junior Handlers Class.

HOUND SHOW

Junior Handlers (l-r) Henry Looney, Reilly Canard, Siobhan O’Connor, Loren Sepulveda, Rory O’Connor, Andrew Looney.

Virginia Foxhound Club’s 66th Annual Show of Foxhounds Morven Park, Leesburg, VA, May 26, 2013

2013 Judges: Mrs. K. T. Atkins; Alastair Jackson, ex-MFH; Mrs. Alastair Jackson, ex-MFH; Dr. Scott Dove, MFH; Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH; Mrs. Jane T. Fowler; Mr. John P. Ike, III, MFH; Mrs. Linda Armbrust, MFH; Mrs. Parker Thorne, MFH; Mr. Mason H. Lampton, MFH; Mrs. Richard K. Jones, ex-MFH and President of the Virginia Foxhound Club; Mr. Dennis Foster, Executive Director of the MFHA. Jim Meads photo Tamara and William Burnette, MFH, Caroline Hunt.

Jim Meads photo

John P. Ike, MFH Millbrook, Ben Hardaway, Mrs. Parker Thorne, MFH Millbrook. Jim Meads photo

John Gilbert, Essex Fox Hounds, with Bundles Murdock presenting trophy for Essex “Roadster,” Best Single American Dog Unentered.

Mrs. Sherman P. Haight.

Jim Meads photo

Janet Hitchen photo

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson with granddaughter Emma Matheson. Janet Hitchen photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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BEAGLING

National Beagle Club Spring Beagle Trials 2013

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

Reedy Creek 5 Couple with Tom McElduff, MB and Huntsman.

Glenbarr 3 Couple Katie Gilbert, whipper-in; Billy Bobbitt, MB. Their 5 Couple produced the highest scored run of the trials in a winning effort.

Mother Nature always seems to have a surprise for the National Beagle Club, and for the Spring Trials at Aldie, Virginia, she brought back winter as an April Fools’ joke: upper 20s, heavy frost, iced-over ponds, and a wicked north wind, all under bluebird skies with a milky haze on the horizon. In response, the countryside was still winterbleak, with only the occasional autumn olive showing the slightest vernal optimism. The three-couple packs faced formidable odds, to which many succumbed, but a few overcame.

Ben Venue had the unenviable draw – first down – but proceeded to produce a very good run by resolutely defying the conditions, keeping after their quarry and generally ignoring the temptations of night lines. Not until mid-morning thereafter did another pack run consistently; then Octorara showcased their traditional perseverance, keeping their quarry moving (though in bursts) under conditions that varied from still, sun-baked woods to an icy wind whipping in the open. One of the high points of the day was the debut of Bennett Barclay’s Hermit Hollow pack. His three-couple consisted of six gray-faced veterans, aging stars drafted most generously from the best packs around. Unfortunately they encountered some of the worst conditions of the day; yet these hounds made the most of it, raising hoarse, quavery voices as they struggled to carry any line. Never admitting defeat, they made an admirable showing. As Jeep Cochran remarked, “Most of Bennett’s hounds have been hunting here longer than Bennett.”

Hills Bridge opened the bidding Thursday morning, crunching on heavy frost and shivering in 23 degree chill. This lovely, level pack’s enthusiasm is hair-raising and contagious, and it is matched by that of their Huntsman, Miki Crane, MB. When they opened on night lines, she hustled them forward, and when a rabbit got up, there was little break in the action. Same scenario at checks, so that deciding what was smoke and mirrors and what was a true line only the Miki Crane, MB, whose judges – Alan Forney and Dee Hills Bridge pack won Phillips – seemed able to discern. the highest scored pack And they were impressed. Of the of the trials.

remaining packs, only Old Chatham, Jack Kingsley, MB, carrying the horn, had any success; and they flew! With the most melodious cry, they drove their rabbit hard for a good chunk of their allotted time, until she popped through a hole in the sieve-like enclosure fence.

In the judges’ final three-couple tally, Hills Bridge edged Ben Venue, followed by Old Chatham and Middletown Valley.

Prior commitments cut short my visit to Aldie, but I did get to enjoy Glenbarr’s wildly thrilling – and winning – run in the five-couple.

High atop the far western hillside, Billy Bobbitt’s pack kept the adrenaline flowing with a helterskelter, sometimes discombobulated but always fiercely deterMandy Bobbitt, MB, and her mined performance.

How many rabbits were Bedlam 3 Couple with whipper-in Billy Bobbitt, MB (Glenbarr). actually up was impossible to discover as hounds raced from thicket to thicket, their high cry frantic with desire. But they stuck to one for most of their time with such relentless passion that they earned their reward with a flourish. Tipping his hat to the judges with five minutes to go, Billy wisely opted to end on this high note.

Earlier, the Reedy Creek five-couple put on one of the best performances of their Aldie career. When Tommy McElduff, MB, decided to break in his new brush pants and dove into a dense creekside briarpatch, his hounds responded euphorically. A no-nonsense, lemon-and-white doghound drafted from Larry Bright’s crack Octorara pack seemed to be the catalyst that both inspired the pack and held it together. So when they busted a huge cottontail from its bed, they were all business: driving hard, honoring each other, and working out bothers unaided.

And they were nearly impossible to stop when “Time, Reedy Creek” rang out. Tommy’s grin said it all!

Unfortunately, their find came too late, or a good ribbon would have been theirs.

Then I had to leave, and so missed some really good

Dawn and Bennett Barclay present the Hermit Hollow Beagles to judges Alan Forney and Dee Phillips

Sherry Buttrick, MB, with the Farmington 3 Couple.

Farmington won the 8 Couple class.

hunting the rest of the trials. Glenbarr’s run held up in the fives to edge Hills Bridge, Sandanona, and Orlean. I am especially sorry to have missed Farmington’s return to glory-land. With a performance that Alan Forney later described as “the best eight-couple run I’ve seen at Aldie” (and he’s seen plenty!), Sherry Buttrick’s beauties swept the board. In their wake came Mandy Bobbitt’s Bedlam, Hills Bridge, and Old Chatham. Mother Nature, at last, smiled.

Sorry I missed it…but there’s always November!

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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IN MEMORY OF Fred Duncan, Mary Southwell Hutchison The Virginia foxhunting community lost two of its long-serving and well-loved figures in recent months.

Fred Duncan, who passed away on December 20, 2012, amassed an impressive career in professional hunt service.

Duncan began in 1966 whipping-in at Warrenton Hunt to legendary huntsman Dick Bywaters. When Bywaters retired, Fred took up the horn and hunted the Warrenton pack for the next six seasons.

In between his times in professional hunt service, Fred remained closely involved in the Virginia horse community.

He saw duty as a stable foreman, worked with racehorses on both the flat track and steeplechase circuit, and had a hand in working with other breeds and disciplines.

Duncan served as Middleburg Hunt’s kennelman for twenty years, from 1992 to 2011. Fred was the all-around horseman who could manage the kennels and barn, whip-in, serve as back-up huntsFred Duncan and friend.

Janet Hitchen photo

man or field master. There was no detail of proper tradition that escaped him.

Fred and his wife Doris were married for fifty-seven years. Doris passed away in December of 2011.

A large contingent from the local foxhunting community turned out for Fred’s memorial service, held Fred Duncan, Warrenton Hunt Opening Meet, 1976, in Middleburg. Author Rita Mae at Robert D. van Roijen’s St. Leonard’s Farm, near Warrenton, Virginia.

Brown, MFH Oak Ridge Fox Hunt, Douglas Lees photo delivered the eulogy.

Mary Southwell Hutchison, honorary secretary for Orange County Hounds, passed away on April 4, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Professionally, Mary South was a veteran real estate specialist with Washington Fine Properties (formerly Armfield Miller & Ripley Fine Properties).

Her colleagues and clients as well as the members and guests of the Orange County Hounds and Virginia Foxhound Club will miss Hutchison’s powerful presence in both Virginia hunt country real estate and in the world of Virginia foxhunting.

An accomplished horsewoman in the hunt field, at hunter trials, and with show hunters and jumpers, Hutchison built a lifestyle and career where her passion for horses was the centerpiece. From her devotion to enriching the Virginia countryside community that she called home for most of her life, to her intimate dinner parties with the closest of friends, to her long, successful, and enviable career in real estate, Hutchison lived each day to its fullest.

Above all, her avid love for horses and her commitment to the Orange County Hounds were always front and center.

[Our thanks to Linda Triplett of Washington Fine Properties for her help Mary Southwell Hutchison. with this remembrance].

Douglas Lees photo

HUNTER TRIALS South Creek Foxhounds Hunter Trials

By Marylu Gallagher Ridge Point Stables, in collaboration with the South Creek Foxhounds, held their second very successful Hunter Trials, Saturday, April 13, 2013, judged by Mrs. Dacia Johnson.

Dacia is a full time member of the Live Oak Hounds in Thomasville, Georgia, and a USEF recognized judge. We were all pleased to have her judge at the trials. The day was overcast which helped make the April date enjoyable once again. Wearing hunting attire in Florida, in April, is a challenge but the South Creek members are not weak of heart Winner of the South Creeks Foxhounds Championship so black and pink coats, sprinClass, Mary Ann Giandonato riding Milltown Castle. kled with a few shadbellies, Jennifer Staiano, FLSportHorse Photography covered the field.

The Field Hunters Under Saddle class with 17 entries made for an exciting class in the open jump field. The pewter plate was presented to the winners, Rock My World and Jennifer Staiano. Marylu Gallagher donated the trophy, which comes with a story; the plate is a trophy from the 1982 Two Rivers Hounds Horse Show. It will stay with the SCF Hunter Trials as a perpetual trophy; it can only be retired if the same horse wins it three times.

One of the highlights of the trials is always the SCF Championship Class. The two highest scoring hunt members from the Junior Hunters, Ladies’ Hunters, and the Gentlemen’s Hunters Classes form a field led by a designated Field Master.

This year’s Field Master was Sharon Russell aboard Trubadour. The field gathered at the Judge’s stand and with a shout of “Tally Ho” Sharon led them around the large field at a brisk gallop followed by a hard halt and then a quick turn over a log fence at the trot and several other fences finishing in front of Mrs. Johnson.

The winner was Mary Ann Giandonato’s big bay gelding Milltown Castle.

Reserve Championship went to last year’s winner Karlo ridden by Sarah Fox Sears.

The day concluded with the much-anticipated PM Jamaica Memorial Derby.

The course was over all the beautiful outside jumps including the challenging double coop combination through the lane. The spectators gathered along the fence lines and watched as the riders completed the course individually. Meredith Gallagher on Risky Business, a Thoroughbred owned by Val Cramer and Kathy Roesner, showed their prowess over the high options winning the class.

Photos from the events can be seen at www.FLSportHorsePhotography.com

(l-r) Madison Staiano on Mighty Mouse, Von Wilson on Eskimo Pie, and Lauren Massey. Jennifer Staiano, FLSportHorse Photography

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

COUNTRY LIFE

9

Paint Not the Porch

By Martha Wolfe He will tell you it can be done; the job can be done in four days.

He will charge $20 an hour (Whereas the other contractor, with a crew of eight, said he needed $35 an hour, Because labor “ain’t cheap.”)

Think not of reasonable rates.

Even if Jeff says, “I’ll be there at 8 a.m.”

Say not: “O.K.” Say: “NO!” Say: “Let’s give it a couple of weeks, just until these damn puppies are gone.”

Jeff is an easygoing guy, he’ll understand, he’ll say, “No problem. I can start whenever.”

Ask him not, “Are you sure you can have it done before the party?”

Even if he says, “Yep,” Paint not porches, nor ceilings.

A puppy, a porch, a hunk of rope. No painting required. Martha Wolfe photo.

Paint not the porch while “walking” hound puppies.

Worry not how bad the porch looks.

Look to the future, a future without hound puppies, to paint the porch.

Paint not even the porch ceiling when hound puppies are on the premises.

Even if your husband has three new partners and he wants to welcome them And besides, his old friend Harry Poling is retiring; Even if he has scheduled the caterers, And his office has sent out two hundred and fifty invitations To a garden party at your house, Panic not!

Paint not the porch.

It looks like hell.

It is scratched and scarred.

It hasn’t been painted in…what?...ten years?

Care not!

Care not what party-goers will say when they arrive.

City dwellers most, they will want to look around before dinner.

You will say, “Sure…look around.”

And they will wander off.

Mind not.

Mind not that the porch—a big wrap-around porch—has been Gouged by a hundred dog toenails; That millions of leaves have blown there and sometimes Stuck, leaving a stain, before you found time to sweep; That it has been pissed upon by hound puppies, barfed and shat upon by the cat.

Mind not what the people may think.

Dream not of catastrophe the night before Jeff starts.

The puppies see Jeff.

He is on his knees.

“Here’s a fun guy down on his knees,” the puppies will say.

The puppies want to know, “What is that thing in his hand?

A roller full of grey paint.

That looks like fun!”

Dream not of two puppies bounding toward him, Exuberant, happy, lucky to find a guy down on his knees with a roller full of grey paint.

Dream not of two puppies, now grown to around forty pounds each, tackling poor Jeff, Face down in his new paint job.

Care not what the people will say.

Think not what they will think.

Judge not what they will judge.

Have the party.

But, for God’s sake, Don’t paint the porch!

[Editor’s Note: The puppy shown here is Blue Ridge “Monarch.” He competed in the English ring at the 2013 Virginia Foxhound Show where he placed first in Unentered Dog and was awarded the Reserve Dog Championship in that category.]

Janet Hitchen Photography

They may wander to the similarly gouged front porch.

Care not.

Tell yourself: “nobody goes to the front door.”

Believe it.

Nobody goes to the front door, So, paint neither the front porch floor, nor its ceiling.

Even though the ceilings of both porches are no longer sky blue, (As folklore has it, a sky-blue porch ceiling keeps Bees from building their nests in the corners) Paint them not.

Even though both ceilings are now a dull grey from ten years of mildew.

Please, paint them not.

Let the party-goers wander onto the front porch.

Because here’s the truth: people don’t look up.

They don’t go to the front door and they don’t look up.

They may go to the main door, the one everybody uses to enter the house, Except the dogs who use the mud-room door and are responsible for this mess.

Guests may walk upon the wrap-around porch, look down and wonder, “What the hell happened here?”

Nevertheless, paint it not.

Not while the hound puppies are here.

Not while they run here and there without cause, only effect.

Not while they chew on porch posts, floor boards, rockers and benches.

Call not the painter Jeff.

(540) 837-9846 • Email: Janeth@crosslink.net www.janethitchenphotography.com

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

10

POINT-TO-POINTS

Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle Slaney Rock – 1st, Woods Winants up; Mischief.

Douglas Lees photo

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point Restricted Young Adult Flat Ameri Weber – 1st, Erin Swope up; Swimming River – 2nd.

Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Point-to-Point Amateur Highweight Timber Dr. Alex – 1st, Teddy Zimmerman, up; Personal Brew.

Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Point-to-Point Open Hurdle Spy In The Sky – 1st, Keri Brion up; Hishi Soar – 2nd.

Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Point-to-Point Lady Rider Timber Regal Hour – 1st, Diana Gillam up; Gather No Moss.

Douglas Lees photo

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point 3-31-2013 In sports great accomplishments have often earned nicknames.

In ice hockey three wins are a hat trick, and in baseball a home run with three men on base is a grand slam. I’m not sure what to call them in racing lingo, but at the Orange County Point-toPoint on Sunday, March 31 Orange County Hounds members Lisa & Zohar Ben-Dov’s Kinross Farm celebrated a hat trick as did rider Jacob Roberts, and their trainer Neil Morris had a grand slam. For all the winners’ circle is a familiar place, but multiple win days of this number are a rarity even for them.

Their first win came in the novice timber race where Kinross Farm’s Old Timer won over Indian Run Farm’s Whodoyoucallit.

Old Timer stalked Whodoyoucallit, who set the pace under Woods Winants.

Two Orange County 1st Div Maiden Hurdle fences from home Beamer – 1st, Jeff Murphy up; Arrow’s Old Timer jumped Conquest – 3rd; Sharp Numbers – 4th. to the lead, but Douglas Lees photo Whodoyoucallit battled back and was only beaten by 1 length.

Two races later Morris saddled two starters in the second division of the maiden hurdle race, and they finished first and second. Kinross Farm’s Irish-bred King Ting (Jacob Roberts) won by a neck over Magalen O. Bryant’s Lady Greeley (Jeff Murphy). Lady Greeley inherited the lead when Over Creek Stables LLC’s Michael P. (Woods Winants) was pulled up. As they raced to the last fence King Ting made his move and took the lead over the fence. These two battled to the finish where King Ting prevailed.

The open hurdle race scratched down to a match race between Sara E. Collette’s Wahoo (Jacob Roberts) and S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Trappe d’Or (Jeff Murphy). Trappe d’Or made most of the running with Wahoo close behind. Wahoo quickened coming to the last fence and had the lead upon landing. Trappe d’Or fought back, but Wahoo prevailed by 1 length. Neil Morris was the winning trainer.

In the open timber race Kinross and Morris closed out their highly successful day when Sand Box Rules was ridden to victory by Chris Read. Sand Box Rules launched his rally from off the pace with a quarter mile to run and led over the last fence.

Traveller Stables’ Moonsox (Amelia McGuirk) came flying in the stretch but missed by 1½ lengths.

In the other races over fences Beverly Steinman’s Beamer (Jeff Murphy) won a division of the maiden hurdle race, and W. Gary Baker’s Slaney Rock won the amateur/novice rider hurdle race with leading rider Woods Winants up.

Divisions of the novice rider flat race went to S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Bonded (Wladimir Rocha) and Stonelea Stables LLC’s Sol a Pino (Zoe Valvo). Erin Swope won the inaugural restricted young adult flat race on Matt Martinez’ Ameri Weber and the large pony division of the field masters chase on Jordan, and Emme Fullilove won the horse division on Bay Cockburn’s G R’s Prize.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point 4-6-2013 A big crowd was on hand for the Old Dominion Hounds Pointto-Point on Saturday, April 6 near Ben Venue in Rappahannock County. Unfortunately entries were light due to the competition from a sanctioned race meet in Virginia, the Dogwood Classic Races at Colonial Downs. In spite of the short fields, which resulted in five “match” races, the racing action was entertaining and especially rewarding for trainer Eva Smithwick. When last seen in Rappahannock County at the Thornton Hill Races, Smithwick won four races. At Old Dominion she matched that total with Woods Winants winning three of those races.

Eva Smithwick and Winants teamed to win the amateur/novice rider hurdle race with Indian Run Farm’s Fogcutter.

In a match race Manown Kisor’s Sumo Power (Mary Motion) could not run with the winner who drew away in the final quarter mile to win easily by 4 lengths. Snickersville Stable’s

Rutledge Classic won the foxhunter timber race at Old Dominion with leading rider Woods Winants up. This was another two horse race, but this time the result wasn’t decided until the final strides. Rutledge Classic and Rod Cameron’s owner/ridden Bradenbrooke raced as a team much of the way and jumped the last together. It was in the stretch that Rutledge Classic had the advantage winning by a neck. The maiden hurdle race was still another two horse showdown that provided one of the three wins that the Winants and Smithwick team had on the card. Smithwick Farm LLC’s Coturnix set the pace from the drop of the flag, repulsed a brief challenge from Farmwick Stable’s Noel T (Diana Gillam) and won handily by 3½ lengths.

In the amateur highweight timber race Smithwick saddled Dr. Alex (Teddy Zimmerman) to win by a furlong over Matt Hatcher’s Let’s Presume. Rod Cameron’s Personal Brew set the pace with Dr. Alex close behind. Dr. Alex took the lead approaching the last fence where Personal Brew fell.

Neil Morris had a training double on the card when Kinross Farm’s Its A School Night (Sam Frederickson) won the novice rider flat race by a length over Teresa Major’s Attention (Marie Leahy) and when Sara Collette’s Vladykov (Diana Gillam) won the Virginia-bred flat race. Vladykov raced close to the pace and proved best in the final furlong. James Falk, Sr.’s Prima Facie (Eilidh Grant) finished second after setting the pace.

Diana Gillam added a second win on the card in the lady rider timber race with Jeremy Gillam’s Regal Hour, who led all the way. Manown Kisor, Jr.’s Gather No Moss (Mary Motion) was the second starter, but pulled up in the final half mile.

Novice rider Keri Brion rated Randleston Farm’s Spy In The Sky a few lengths off Randy Rouse’s Hishi Soar (Woods Winants), who set the pace in the open hurdle race. Spy In The Sky took the lead two fences from home and won handily by 2¼ lengths.

Erin Swope won the first ever young rider flat race in Virginia on Matt Martinez’s Ameri Weber. Indian Run Farm’s Swimming River (Mary Motion) set the pace but could not match strides with the winner in the stretch.

Dogwood Classic Races 4-6-2013 In the last years of the Strawberry Hill Races, the meet organizers strayed away from their traditional second Saturday in April date. They tried several dates in May and last year in June, but could never reignite the magic. When Colonial Downs decided to have a spring race meet, they chose to move back to April. Unfortunately there was another major event in the Richmond area on April 13 so they chose to run on the preceding Saturday, April 6. This created a conflict with the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, which suffered from the new competition for horses and riders. We can only hope that a compromise can be reached for next year.

The featured race on the card was a $25,000 allowance hurdle race, which attracted eight runners. Rock Ford Stables LLC’s Sporty had broken his maiden last fall at the Colonial Cup Races and had warmed up for this engagement with a good second in the open hurdle race at the Warrenton Point-to-Point.

In the race Mark Beecher reserved Sporty off the pace while saving ground on the inside. When the field turned for home, Beecher made his move and prevailed by 1 length over Augustin Stables’ Sillium (Robbie Walsh) with Woodslane Farm’s Brave Prospect (Sean Flanagan) third. Julie Gomena trained the winner.

Trainer Jack Fisher had a big day winning two of the five races on the card. He won the maiden claiming hurdle race with Jeremy A. Batoff’s Certain Swagger (Sean Flanagan). The winner stalked the early leaders, moved to the front on the final turn and won going away by 6½ lengths.

Move Up Stable’s Dax (Danielle Hodsdon) was second, and Kinross Farm’s Brace Dogwood Classic Maiden Claiming Hurdle (Jacob Roberts) was Certain Swagger – 1st, Sean Flanagan up. third.

Susan M. Carter photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

Fisher also saddled the winner of the training flat race with Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Mr Hot Stuff. Sean Flanagan sent the winner to the lead in the early going, and he was never seriously challenged winning by 2½ lengths over The Elkstone Group LLC’s Bodie Island (Robbie Walsh).

This race also completed a two win day for Mrs. Johnston.

Her Fantastic Song carried Barry Walsh to a come-from-behind victory in the maiden hurdle race. Fantastic Song was the early trailer but closed with a rush in the final quarter mile and won going away by 3¾ lengths. Neither Virginia’s Friendship Farm’s Cognashene (Jacob Roberts), who was second, nor Michael Moran’s Rugged Rascal (Sean Flanagan), who was third, posed any threat to the winner. Fenneka Bentley was the winning trainer.

Steve Yeager’s Mischief was the leading hurdle horse on the Virginia Point-to-Point Circuit last year and closed that season with a win under rules at Montpelier in November. This had been Annie Yeager’s first win under rules, and she added her second at the Dogwood Classic. Mischief took the lead at the third fence in the open claiming race and led or had a share of the lead the rest of the race. Why Not Racing LLC’s Complete Zen (Richard Boucher) threatened on the turn for home but Mischief held him safe through the stretch and won by 1 length. Don Yovanovich has trained Mischief since 2011.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point 4-14-2013 There is nothing in racing any more exciting than when two or more horses drive to the finish as a team, and the winner is only determined in the final strides. That was the case in four of the eight races at the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point on Sunday, April 14 at Oatlands Plantation near Leesburg.

The Eustis Cup open timber race is the meet’s featured race, and it’s hard to believe that after four miles two of the three horse field arrived at the finish with a short nose separating the winner, Rosbrian Farm’s Irish-bred Jewel of the West (Martin Rohan) and Magalen O. Bryant’s Dakota Slew (Robbie Walsh). Jewel of the West was rated off Dakota Slew’s pace. With a half mile to run these two hooked up and ran and jumped as one. They matched strides up the stretch, and Jewel of the West got the nod.

In the first division of the maiden hurdle race Beverly Steinman’s Silverado Beach (Jeff Murphy) rallied from off the pace to lead over the last fence and held off William Wofford’s Tantalion, who rallied to just miss by a nose. The second division went to Michael A. Smith’s Arrow’s Conquest (Jacob Roberts).

Arrow’s Conquest came from off the pace to jump the last fence aside Rose Marie Bogley’s Labonte (Robert Walsh). Labonte held a slight lead mid-stretch, but Arrow’s Conquest got up to win by a nose.

This was the first of four consecutive winners saddled by Neil Morris and ridden by Jacob Roberts. In the following open hurdle race Kinross Farm’s Its A School Night took the lead down the backside the final time around and drew away to win handily by 4 lengths over the early pace setter, Triton Light (Zoe Valvo). Morris and Roberts swept the two divisions of the novice timber race with horses belonging to Magalen O. Bryant. Her Classic Bridges was never far back in the first division, took the lead with a half mile to run and held off the late charging Peace Fire (Sean Flanagan), who closed with a rush to miss by a neck.

The second division was won by Triplekin, who was never far off the pace, took sole possession of the lead in the final three furlongs and won easily by 5 lengths.

In the open flat race Clorevia Farm’s Dr. Skip (Jody Petty) was a very impressive 7 lengths winner over Kinross Farm’s Schoolhouse Woods (Jacob Roberts). Dr. Skip settled in fourth in the nine horse field in the early going, took the lead with about a half mile to run and coasted home alone as much the best.

The finale was the Virginia-bred flat race that was won by Daybreak Stables’ Wolverton (Robbie Walsh). Mrs. Bryant’s Southwest (Jacob Roberts) set the pace into the stretch, but Wolverton took over with a furlong to run, and Southwest had to settle for second beaten by 1 length.

Middleburg Spring Races 4-20-2013 In 2010 Irvin S. Naylor was the National Steeplechase Association’s leading timber owner for the sixth time. Having conquered this division, Naylor set his sights on the NSA’s leading owner title with the purchase of a group of high class hurdle prospects. One of these horses was the Irish-bred Decoy Daddy, who was part of a four horse Naylor entry in the Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Handicap Stakes at the Middleburg Spring Races on Saturday, April 20 at Glenwood Park near Middleburg.

Decoy Daddy had won this race in 2011 and was the favorite to repeat. Under Carol-Ann Sloan he stalked his stablemate, Lake Placid (Jacob Roberts). When Lake Placid tired with two fences remaining, Decoy Daddy took complete control and won as much the best. Oakwood Stable’s Country Cousin

(Roddy Mackenzie) ran well to be second and Hickory Tree Stable’s Gustavian (Paddy Young) was third. Decoy Daddy has now won four and was once second in five stakes efforts in Virginia.

The Temple Gwathmey was the highlight of trainer Brianne Slater’s day, but this was only one of three winners that she saddled for Naylor. They won the optional allowance/claiming hurdle when Irish-bred Charminster (Ross Geraghty) raced close to the pace, took the lead approaching the last fence and won going away by 9¼ lengths over Beverly Steinman’s Orebanks (Jeff Murphy). Ross Geraghty also was up on Naylor’s Sacred Soul, who was an impressive come-from-behind winner of a division of the maiden hurdle race. Sacred Soul proved best in the stretch and won by 3½ widening lengths over The Fields Stable’s Kingdom (Paddy Young).

Naylor’s fourth winner on the card was in the Alfred Hunt Steeplechase when Saluda Sam was on the pace from flag fall to finish for rider Willie McCarthy and trainer Kathy Neilson.

Kinross Farm’s Schoolhouse Woods (Jacob Roberts) joined Saluda Sam at the last fence and these two battled to the finish where Saluda Sam prevailed by 1 length.

Add the winner’s share of the purse in the Grand National Steeplechase, which was won by Naylor’s Alfa Beat (James Slater) in Butler, Maryland, and this five win day puts Naylor well on his way to a fourth NSA owner’s championship.

No one was going to match the accomplishments of the Naylor horses and trainers, but there were four other races, and three of these went to Virginia trainers. Teddy Mulligan saddled Holston Hall Farm’s Hot Rize (Jeff Murphy) to win the Middleburg Hunt Cup over timber, Richard Valentine won the second division of the maiden hurdle race with Mrs. George Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Critical Point (GB) (Robbie Walsh), and Doug Fout took the training flat race with Beverly Steinman’s Kasari (Fr) (Jeff Murphy). Hot Rize raced in the back of the field, rallied to be third over the last fence and was best in the stretch by 1¼ lengths over Mrs. Thomas H. Voss’ Farndale (Paddy Young).

Critical Point proved best in a stretch duel with Daybreak Stables’ Manacor (Ire) (Danielle Hodsdon). The final margin was ¾ of a length. In the training flat race Kasari (Fr) came and got John H. Baffa’s Prized Pupil (Roddy Mackenzie) in the late stages and won going away by 1¾ lengths.

The maiden claiming hurdle race was won by William E. Riddle, Jr.’s Absolum who was much the best by 12¾ lengths over Teddy Alexander’s Papa Carlos (Jeff Murphy). The winner was ridden by Paddy and trained by Leslie Young.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point 4-21-2013 The race course at Woodley Farm is one of the circuit’s best spectator courses, and a big crowd was on hand to enjoy the Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point on Sunday, April 21. A snow storm the week before the original race date in March led to the postponement of the races to the April date that had been vacated when Fairfax Hunt decided to join the Loudoun Hunt for the races at Oatlands.

In the first race, which was a combination of the maiden and the amateur/novice rider hurdle races, Indian Run Farm’s Fogcutter won his third race this season with Woods Winants up and assured the championship in the amateur/novice rider hurdle series. Fogcutter led all the way and beat Magalen O. Bryant’s Casual Creeper (a maiden with Jeff Murphy up) by 3½ lengths.

Later on the card Indian Run Farm’s Whodoyoucallit won and can now claim the novice timber title. Whodoyoucallit set the pace under Woods Winants and separated from the field down the backside the last time to romp home by 25 lengths over Stonelea Stables LLC’s Sol a Pino (Roddy Mackenzie). Eva Smithwick trains Whodoyoucallit and Fogcutter.

Horses owned by Sara E. Collette and trained by Neil Morris have won three of the four Virginia-bred flat races this season. It was Vladykov’s turn to represent the stable and to win his third race in the series. James H. Falk, Sr.’s Prima Facie (Eilidh Grant) opened a big lead, but it wasn’t enough to deter Vladykov (Jacob Roberts). He rallied to take the lead at the head of the stretch and won handily by 3 lengths. Prima Facie was second.

Matt Hatcher rode his Let’s Presume to his maiden win over timber in the foxhunters race. Let’s Presume inherited the lead entering the backside the first time around when Woods Winants had steering problems with Julia Thieriot’s Southern Sail, who went from first to third. Southern Sail got back into contention but could not reach Let’s Presume who easily held him off by 4 lengths.

Magalen O. Bryant had two starters in the maiden flat race and they finished first and second. Her Irish-bred Our Emerald Forest (Jeff Murphy) came from off the pace to take the lead in the stretch and won by 1¼ lengths over Court Prospect (Jacob Roberts). Local trainer Jimmy Day saddled the winner.

11

Dogwood Classic Races Training Flat Mr. Hot Stuff – 1st, Sean Flanagan up.

Susan M. Carter photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Open Hurdle It’s A School Night – 1st, Jacob Roberts up.

Richard Clay photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Open Timber Jewel of the West – 1st, Martin Rohan up.

Richard Clay photo

Middleburg Spring Races Training Flat Royal Bonsai – 3rd; Kasari – 1st, Jeff Murphy up; Prized Pupil – 2nd. Richard Clay photo

Middleburg Spring: Middleburg Hunt Cup Hot Rize – 1st, Jeff Murphy up. Richard Clay photo

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle Fogcutter – 1st, Woods Winants up. Richard Clay photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

12

The filly and mare flat race was a “match” race between Rusty Cline’s Star Flanker (Eilidh Grant) and Ann Braxton JonesLynch’s Controlled Neglect (Jeff Murphy). Controlled Neglect made the running but could not hold off Star Flanker, who won in the stretch by 3 lengths. Simon Hobson was the winning trainer.

In the junior field masters chases, Bay Cockburn’s G R’s Prize (Emme Fullilove) won the horse division by 8 lengths over Erin Swope’s Sweet Talking Guy and can now claim the title. Erin Swope’s win on Jordan in the large pony division means that championship will go down to the wire at the Virginia Gold Cup Races. Emme Fullilove’s Sparta (second at Blue Ridge) is tied for first with Jordan.

Foxfield Spring Races Maiden Claiming Hurdle Saint Nicholas – 1st, Jacob Roberts up; Class Launch – 2nd. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Foxfield Spring Races Maiden Hurdle Imaspeedy Guy – 4th; Arrow’s Conquest – 1st, Jacob Roberts up; Super Saturday – 3rd.

Betsy Burke Parker photo

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Open Timber Shady Valley (gray) – 2nd; Tax Ruling – 1st, Paddy Young up. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Virginia Gold Cup Foyle (#6) – 4th; Grinding Speed – 1st, Mark Beecher up. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup Steeplethon Saluda Sam – 2nd; The Editor- 1st, Jeff Murphy up.

Douglas Lees photo

Foxfield Spring Races 4-27-2013 It was still too early in the season to declare who would claim the leading owner and trainer titles in Virginia, but the results of the Foxfield Spring Races near Charlottesville on April 27 indicated that last year’s leaders Magalen O. Bryant and Neil Morris would once again be hard to beat. Between the two they won all five races.

Neil Morris saddled three winners for three different owners.

Michael A. Smith’s Arrow’s Conquest (Jacob Roberts) won the maiden hurdle race. He was rated off the pace, rallied to join the leaders at the second fence from home and held a clear lead over the last. Randy Rouse’s Class Baton (Richard Boucher) set much of the pace but could not keep pace with the winner, who won by 7¼ lengths.

The maiden timber race followed, and Morris completed the daily double with Kinross Farm’s Ed’s Big Bet (Chris Read). Ed’s Big Bet came from off the early pace to take control with two miles to go. Harold A. Via, Jr.’s Worried Man (Gus Dahl) was never worse than third and threatened approaching the last fence but could not sustain his bid and missed by 1¾ lengths.

It was owner Magalen O. Bryant’s turn for the next two races.

Jonathan Sheppard saddled her Belle of the Congo (Charles Greene) to win the filly and mare maiden hurdle race, and trainer Jimmy Day won the allowance hurdle race with her Irish-bred Sulwaan (Xavier Aizpuru).

In the filly and mare race Belle of the Congo rallied from off the pace, took control before the last fence and drew away to win easily by 5¼ lengths over Arcadia Stable’s Take Her To The Top (Xavier Aizpuru).

In the $25,000 feature allowance race, Sulwaan was never far from the lead that was set in the early stages by Mrs. Bryant’s Southwest (Jacob Roberts). When Southwest tired going down the backside the final time, Sulwaan launched his bid. He took control approaching the last fence and held off Irvin S. Naylor’s Final Straw (Barry Walsh), who rallied but was second best beaten by 1½ lengths. Jimmy Day also trained the third place finisher, S. Bruce Smart’s Orchestra Leader (Danielle Hodsdon).

It was Neil Morris’s turn to win the finale, a maiden claiming hurdle race that gave rider Jacob Roberts his second win on the card. Noble Stables’ Saint Nicholas moved from off the pace with two fences remaining to gain a share of the lead with Why Not Racing’s Class Launch (Richard Boucher). From that point Class Launch continued to challenge but had to settle for second as Saint Nicholas proved best by ¾ of a length.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point 4-28-2013 The Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point on Sunday, April 28 had all the trappings of a sanctioned meet. The crowd was big and festive with competitions from best tailgates to best dressed dog, the race course is one of steeplechase racing’s best and many of the horses have bright futures racing under rules. I usually try to avoid touting horses, but there were three winners on the card that I can’t wait to see run again.

It doesn’t take a genius to tout a winner of $380,000 over hurdles that is switching to timber, but I will. Irvin S. Naylor’s multiple stakes winner, Tax Ruling was making his second start in his new career, and he won the Middleburg Bowl open timber race as his rider Paddy Young pleased by 12 lengths over Anne Haynes’ veteran Shady Valley (Jeff Murphy). Brianne Slater trains the winner.

Kingfisher Farm’s Peace Fire (Sean Flanagan) had run a strong second at Loudoun in his first start over timber, and he broke his maiden at Middleburg by a head over Stonelea Stables LLC’s Sol a Pino (Woods Winants). The final margin was not as impressive as the way he ran. He was reserved slightly off the pace and only did as much as was required. He never won over hurdles, but his trainer Jack Fisher has a well documented way with timber horses.

Clorevia Farm’s Dr. Skip rounds out my “horses to watch.”

Trainer Edward Graham ran him at Loudoun on the flat, and there he proved that his ability (a winner of over $50,000 at the flat tracks) translated well to running up and down hills. He won that race impressively and was entered to make his first start over hurdles at Middleburg. His regular rider Jody Petty allowed him to

settle and meet his fences well. When asked he responded, took the lead over the last fence and won by 5 lengths over Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road (Kieran Norris).

The other division of the maiden hurdle race was decided by a head after two horses belonging to Magalen O. Bryant battled the length of the stretch. Court Prospect (Martin Rohan) beat Lea Von (Jeff Murphy) with Sara E. Collette’s Vladykov (Chris Read) third in his first start over hurdles.

Neil Morris trained the winner and third place finisher.

In the maiden flat race Jafeica Stable’s Andre (Sean Middleburg Hunt Restricted Flanagan) won a stretch duel by a Maiden Hurdle head over Betsy B. Mead’s So Far Court Prospect – 1st, Martin Away (Jeff Murphy). The open Rohan up, Lea Von – 2nd. flat race was also a thriller.

Betsy Burke Parker photo Riverdee Stable’s Hear the Word (Blair Wyatt) won the open race by a neck over Indian Run Farm’s Swimming River (Woods Winants). Cyril Murphy and Todd Wyatt were the winning trainers.

In the other races Zoe Valvo nailed down the title as the leading novice rider on the flat by winning easily on Nicki Valvo’s Questioning, and Woods Winants won his fourth amateur/novice rider hurdle race of the season. This time he was up on Smithwick Farm LLC’s Coturnix for leading trainer Eva Smithwick.

Virginia Gold Cup Races 5-4-2013 A huge crowd was on hand for the Virginia Gold Cup Races on Saturday, May 5 at the Great Meadow race course near The Plains.

Pari-mutuel wagering was available for the first time at Great Meadow on a good card of races that included the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes. Michael T. Wharton’s Grinding Speed won the International Gold Cup in the fall, and trainer Alicia Murphy had him on hand to face seven rivals with Mark Beecher up.

At the start Roddy Mackenzie sent Irvin S. Naylor’s long shot Herons Well (GB) to the front. Beecher rated Grinding Speed off the pace and made his move approaching the water jump.

There he jumped from third to second and was close behind Williams and Brewster’s Straight To It (Willie Dowling), who had assumed control when Herons Well faded. Straight To It led into the final turn, but Grinding Speed engaged him with a quarter mile to run and put him away approaching the last fence. Grinding Speed was “in hand and in command” as he galloped through the stretch to win by 6¾ lengths. Straight To It held on for second and Magalen O. Bryant’s Dakota Slew (Robbie Walsh) rallied for third. This effort completed a fairy tale double for Mark Beecher.

He had won the Maryland Hunt Cup the week before, and joined Jack Fisher and Charles Fenwick, Jr. as the only riders in modern times to accomplish this rare feat. Grinding Speed paid a generous $12.00 for a $2 wager.

The steeplethon is always a crowd pleaser and rider Jeff Murphy has done well over the years in this race over the sport’s most varied obstacles. This year Murphy was aboard Teddy Mulligan’s The Editor, who was the second longest shot in the race. The Editor and Murphy ignored the odds and won easily by 9¼ lengths. The Editor stalked Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam until Swan Lake where Murphy avoided getting wet and sent The Editor to the lead. From that point to the finish the race belonged to the winner.

Irvin S. Naylor’s entry of Sacred Soul (Paddy Young) and Top Man Michael (Xavier Aizpuru) was the shortest priced winner on the card in the allowance hurdle race. Sacred Soul was never far off the lead, advanced steadily around the turn and pulled away to an impressive 9¾ length win. Beverly Steinman’s Orebanks (Jeff Murphy) was second and Top Man Michael was third. The entry returned $5 for a $2 win ticket and an incredible $6.80 to show. Brianne Slater trained both of Naylor’s horses.

In the starter allowance race Woodslane Farm’s Brave Prospect (Sean Flanagan) led much of the race, took sole possession of the lead on the turn and won by 2 lengths over Riverdee Stable’s Apse (Danielle Hodsdon). Jack Fisher was the winning trainer.

Danielle Hodsdon won the maiden hurdle race for trainer Jimmy Day on S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Bonded (Ire). Bonded was rated slightly off the pace, moved into third over the last fence and proved best by 1¼ lengths. Irvin S. Naylor’s Operation Tracer (GB) (Bernie Dalton) and Charles Fenwick, Jr.’s Puller (Willie McCarthy) took turn setting the pace and finished second and third.

Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Gawaarib (Robbie Walsh) did not disappoint the bettors, who made him favorite in the maiden claiming race. He closed well and won going away by 5¾ lengths over Kinross Farm’s Brace (Darren Nagle).

There’s Something For Everyone…

under the

HORSE COUNTRY BIG TOP

Stirrup napkin rings set/4 (HC1A) $36.00

The Belmont Collection A flash of silver can elevate any meal into something extraordinary. Whether you serve your roast on the platter, adorn your napkins with ornate bit rings or understated silver stirrups, put your seasonings in our polo boots, or chill your Moët in our champagne bucket, everyone will know they’re in for an excellent meal and memorable occasion.

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Horse Country® (540) 347-3141 • 800-882-HUNT (4868)

60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Virginia 20186

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM (ET) www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

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CLASSIC COOL RAINBOW ARGYLE Sizes 32-38 (HC3A) $74.00

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CLASSIC COOL STRETCH SHOW SHIRT COLLECTION. ESSEX ANNABELL MULTI STRIPE Sizes SM-XL (HC3E) $124.00

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We’re glad to see that hats for men have been making a welcome comeback over the last few years.

Whatever your preference, Horse Country has your pate covered! Panamas for spring and summer, English tweed flat caps perfect for the races, felt fedoras for timeless style, waxed caps for dismal days, even elegant top hats if you’ve been invited to the Royal Enclosure this June. Come in, get a hat. Be dashing!

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EQUESTRIAN TWEED Triple-ply soft-tissue napkins printed in Germany. 20 napkins per package Luncheon 13"x13" Folded (HC4A) $6.95 Cocktail 10"x10" Folded (HC4B) $5.25

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

Kelly’s Ford Equestrian Center Located on the historical site of the Kelly’s Ford Civil War Battlefield as a part of a 500 acre estate, the Kelly’s Ford facility has all the amenities to train you and your horse!

Upcoming Events: Kelly’s Ford Open Horse Shows: All VHSA/BHSA June 1, Aug. 24, Sept. 14, Oct. 5 (DC Area HSA - 8/24, 9/14, 10/5 Short Circuit HSA 8/24) June 5 1/2 Price Facility Use Wednesday June 17-21 KFEC Summer Riding Camp June 23 KFEC Canoe/Kayak “Wine, Run, Lesson, Gourmet Lunch & Tasting” July 3 1/2 Price Facility Use Wednesday July 15-19 KFEC Summer Riding Camp July 27 Kelly’s Ford Jumper Derby Day July 28 KFEC Canoe/Kayak “Wine, Run, Lesson, Gourmet Lunch & Tasting” Aug. 7 1/2 Price Facility Use Wednesday

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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Local 540-635-0400

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APPLETON FARM ESTATES Middleburg, VA $250,000 - $350,000 Enclave of finished lots ready for your dream home in the country to be built. Four lots available from 2+/- acres to 8+/- acres. Spectacular rolling pasture with protected view shed of Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding countryside. Paved roads, convenient to Middleburg and Upperville. Potential build-to-suit by established local builder or bring your own plans and builder.

HIGGINS MANOR Linden, VA

$600,000

Historic circa 1890 stone manor on 40+/- acres overlooking the village of Linden. Incredible stone construction with solid walls; original staircase, moulding and windows. Several outbuildings need rehab and 2-car detached garage. A great opportunity to restore and use for a private retreat, country inn or potential winery. Completely private with quick access to interstate along state roads.

SMITH FARM Orlean, VA

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Great farmhouse on 4.5+ acres in village of Orlean with original moulding, floors, staircase and doors. Silo, barns and 3-stall horse stable with electric and water. Multiple paddocks with water and recent 4-board fencing. Nicely restored home awaiting personal touches. New foundation; new 2-zone HVAC system - dual fuel; new electrical service; new extensive stone walkways and large patio; charming front porch with scenic vista of preserved rolling pastures. Village zoning, division potential.

CHAT LIVE with a REALTOR® at MANNAREALESTATE.COM Search listings at JWREALTOR.INFO

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

MARYLAND STEEPLECHASE

Grand National Steeplechase Butler, Maryland • April 20, 2013 4th fence, 111th Grand National Amateur Timber Stakes: Prospectors Strike; And The Eagle Flys; Alfa Beat – 1st, James Slater up; Fort Henry – 4th; Justpourit; Battle Op – 3rd; Brands Hatch.

Grand National Steeplechase Western Run Plate Amateur Apprentice Timber: Terko Service – 1st, Nick Carter up.

Douglas Lees Photos

Grand National Steeplechase 5th fence, 48th Benjamin H. Murray Memorial Amateur Allowance Timber: Foyle – 1st, James Slater up.

My Lady’s Manor 10th fence, 2nd division John Rish Streett Memorial Amateur Maiden Timber: Ebanour – 1st, James Slater up; Raven’s Choice – 2nd, Blair Wyatt up.

Maryland Hunt Cup Glyndon, Maryland • April 27, 2013 3rd fence, Maryland Hunt Cup Timber Stakes: Kinross Farm’s Sand Box Rules – 2nd, Diana Gillam up.

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My Lady’s Manor 10th fence, John D. Schapiro Memorial Amateur Apprentice Timber: Woodmont – 3rd; Prospectors Strike – 2nd; Snow Blizzard – 1st, Nick Carter up.

My Lady’s Manor Monkton, Maryland • April 13, 2013 Approaching the 13th fence, My Lady’s Manor Timber Stakes: Sand Box Rules – 4th; Straight To It – 2nd; Grinding Speed; Bon Caddo – 3rd; Eye Said Scat Cat – 5th; Moonsox – 1st, Amelia McGuirk up.

Maryland Hunt Cup 13th fence, Maryland Hunt Cup Timber Stakes: Battle Op, Connor Hankin up; Prospectors Strike, Justin Batoff up; Professor Maxwell – 1st, Mark Beecher up.

Winning rider Mark Beecher rode four of the challenging Maryland Hunt Cup fences with no stirrups.

Maryland Hunt Cup Maryland Hunt Cup, Professor Maxwell’s Winning Team: Richard Valentine, trainer; Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr., owner; Mark Beecher, rider.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

HORSE BREEDS

Irish Draughts – No Blarney!

By Lauren R. Giannini

Sue Rowdon’s Irish Draught Sport Horse Overdraft, aka Dan, being hunted by Lorraine Klepacz with Commonwealth Foxhounds, December, 2012. Sue Rowdon photo

“I hunt a second-generation Irish Draught I bred and will start a third-generation in the second field this fall. My horse jumps absolutely anything I point her at. My husband Nick also jumps his purebred Irish Draught hunter. We love their calm demeanor, willingness to jump anything you point them at and their keenness to hounds, to name a few. I think that my current hunter actually knows what’s going on and her ears follow the music, unlike any horse I have ever ridden. If I were to drop the reins, I bet she’d go on her own to find the view. I have absolutely no problem with my purebred Irish Draughts keeping up with the field and we are generally not out of steam at the end of the day.”

Brandy Greenwell, Middleburg Hunt

Irish Draughts are famous for their soundness (mind and body), athleticism, and versatility. Superlatives used by enthusiasts of the Irish Draught and its crosses, Irish Draught Sport Horses, are sincere and accurate. This is amazing when you consider that the breed originates from a country and people renowned for their gift of gab and horse-dealing prowess.

“I’ve had horses for more than 55 years and 32 years ago I started breeding Thoroughbreds and Steeped In Luck (Eamon), RID stallion, with trainer/rider Tom Thoroughbred crosses for sport,” said Sue Rowdon.

Dvorak (CAN) competing in the CDI and in hand at Dressage at Devon. Elizabeth Douglas photo “Then about 15 years ago I decided I wanted something a little quieter to ride in my dotage when I’m 90.

I had seen Irish Draughts and heard people talk about how quiet and sturdy they are. My first Ballygrace Irish Draught Sport Horse foals were born in 2000.

My market is the rider who wants the horse who can do everything.”

Irish Draughts are famous for foxhunting, and Irish Draught Sport Horse crosses are legendary for international level disciplines, to boot. Past equine stars include Mill Pearl, the great jumper ridden by Joe Fargis to the best American finish and team silver at the 1988 Olympics. The Irish Draught Sport Horse mare foaled in Ireland in 1979, the progeny of King of Brandy Greenwell and Bridon Summerbreeze.

Diamonds, Irish Draught, out of Carran (TB). Notable Liz Callar photo event horses include McKinlaigh, who partnered with Gina Miles to earn the individual silver medal in three-day eventing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Arthur, who with Allison Springer finished second by only two points in the 2012 Rolex Kentucky 3-day event and, as top-placed Americans, earned the USEF National Four-Star Championship.

The O’Connors, David and Karen, have done very well over the years with their Irish Draught Sport Horses. David earned his individual gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics on Custom Made, sired by a ¾ Thoroughbred out of an Irish Draught mare. As a testimony to the Irish Draught’s longevity and soundness, Custom Made was 17 when he won his final outing with David at Fair Hill International CCI*** in 2002. The Irish Draught Sport Horse Mr. Medicott Allison Springer and Arthur finished 2nd overall and best of the and Karen represented the US in 3-day at the 2012 Americans at the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Of the 27 London Olympics. horses who completed Rolex that year, six of them had Irish As for dressage, the stars aren’t all warmbloods Draught blood, including Mr. Medicott, 4th with Karen O’Connor, and Arthur, the leader of the ID delegation. Lauren R. Giannini photo

from mainland Europe. Steeped In Luck, now 12, is a purebred Registered Irish Draught stallion, owned by Keith and Elizabeth Douglas, trained and competed

by Tom Dvorak (CAN). “Eamon,” as Steeped In Luck is known, was bred for eventing, which seemed to be his destiny until he exhibited yet another sterling facet of the “uncut diamond” that is the genetic endowment of Irish Draughts. Dvorak had a full barn, but a large bouquet of flowers from Eamon convinced him to check out the young stallion. He agreed to take him on for a few months. No one involved had upper level aspirations for the horse. Surprise, surprise…

“Once we reached the Prix St Georges level we realized this horse showed talent for the Grand Prix movements,” Dvorak said. “Keith and Elizabeth had to make the decision last year whether to continue with Eamon in dressage or take him back to develop him as an eventer. The decision was made to keep him training dressage to develop the Grand Prix movements. It turns out he has super talent for piaffe.”

At the 2012 Dressage at Devon, Eamon was the only stallion to compete under saddle in the CDI and also in the in-hand breeding division. They placed 12th out of 24 in the Intermediaire I (I-1 and I-2 precede Grand Prix), but was penalized for his short cannon bones, a major item in the Irish Draught breed standard. Steeped In Luck has won championships in Ontario and in Wellington (FL) en route to being named to Canada’s High Performance Long List.

“In 2007 I watched Steeped In Luck perform in the dressage classes at the Irish Draught Annual Show in Chicago, showing the ID’s inherent talent and rideability – one thing about these horses is that they really try their best,” emphasized Rowdon. “They are popular for all disciplines because [of that]. They’re smart and they do what you ask. He’s a beautiful mover, but he doesn’t have the over-the-top extravagance of a lot of the warmbloods. But then, how many people can sit the big movers? That’s what we love about the Irish Draughts – they are talented and rideable, relatively unflappable, but far from dead – an unbeatable combination in a horse.”

The Irish Draught’s Hunting Genes That said, the Irish Draught and the Irish Draught Sport Horse are ideally suited for foxhunting. Rowdon has hunted off and on for 25 years with Commonwealth Foxhounds (Virginia) and acquired an insider’s understanding of what comprises a really good horse to hounds. She breeds about every third year, because of the market and because she likes to sell her foals, usually at the age of two or three, as ready to go on and be backed. One of Rowdon’s favorite breeding successes is Ballygrace Rebel, aka Declan, by the late Snowford Bellman RID out of Rowdon’s mare, Rebel Chance RID. When the foal hit the ground, Rowdon thought he inherited all the best Irish Draught qualities as well as his father’s movement. Ballygrace Rebel was incredibly balanced and won the “future event horse” two-year-old division at the annual Irish Draught Horse Show.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

“I started hunting two years ago, but my riding began in college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” explained Dr. Chris Gudger, a dentist who makes his home in North Carolina. “Between college and starting to foxhunt, I jumped on a horse every chance I got. I went elk hunting in western Montana, rode western in the Bob Marshall wilderness. My young daughter keeps me closer to home and two years ago when I started taking English lessons, I knew what I wanted.”

Gudger was aware that Tony Phillips, a local Irish Draught breeder, had bred his stallion to Rowdon’s mare. Declan was born and eventually bought by a lady in Tennessee. “Tony knew I was looking for a foxhunter and that I wanted to event. I needed a good level-headed horse and all my research led me to Irish Draughts and Irish Draught Sport Horses,” Gudger stated.

Last year Snowford Bellman RID passed away, making Ballygrace Rebel one of his last foals. When the gray gelding came up for sale about 13 months ago, Gudger leapt to buy him. “We’ve had one season with Red Mountain Hounds. We went hilltopping a couple of times, then second flight for most of the season, and then first flight a few times,” he recalled. “Declan’s the perfect horse for me and for the environment. The footing here is rocky, red clay – it’s pretty tough. There are stone walls, a lot of coops, several natural downed trees and the jumps are 2’6” to 3’6” and one pushes 3’9” – Declan has gone over all of them brilliantly every time.”

Towards the end of the season, Gudger was asked to lead the second field. “I led second flight in the first snowfall and Declan did brilliantly,” Gudger said. “He has a ton of personality. He’s very friendly, very playful when he’s turned out, but under saddle he’s very business-like, very willing. He has never spooked or done anything terrible. He has a very steady head, even when other horses near him are wigged out. We’re training with event rider Holly Hudspeth and this summer we will make our debut at Beginner Novice.”

Enthusiasts Testify Yet, when summer yields to the onset of autumn and cub hunting season, Gudger and Declan will be back out in the hunt field. So will the Greenwells. “I have to give my mother, Brianne Sells, credit for introducing me to Irish Draughts,” acknowledged Greenwell. “In the ’90s she was looking for a new foxhunter and wanted something bigger and steadier than the Arab Cross she had been hunting 20-some years. That’s when she found her first Irish Draught Sport Horse, Mary Margaret O’Brian. That mare launched an entire breeding program of purebred Irish Draughts 15-plus years ago and my mother and I founded Bridon Irish Draughts in Round Hill (VA). We’re breeding every other year, producing two or three. We do everything with them in hand and on long driving lines, plus get them accustomed to farriers and vets, etc. To be honest, it’s pretty hard to let them go. I have chased trailers going out of the driveway, screaming, ‘bring them back!’”

Linda Cowasjee has hunted with Piedmont Foxhounds since 1988 and started breeding Irish Draughts in 1999 at her Kilkelly Farm in Delaplane (VA). Her stallion, Kilkelly All’s Well, was Champion Partbred Irish Draught at Upperville in 2011 and 2012.

His daughter, Kilkelly See The Difference, was Champion Yearling at the Future Event Horse in the finals for the Grand Championship in 2010 at Virginia Horse Center. Hennessy (RID) became a very special horse for Cowasjee in the Piedmont field. Imported

from Ireland as a six-year-old, Hennessy came to her by kismet. His owner Patty Motion lived to ride, and to this day Cowasjee remains very close with the rest of the Motion family because of the horse.

“Patty asked me if I wanted to hunt Henny while she recovered from back surgery,” recalled Cowasjee.

“I’ve had some really nice horses, but this one was so careful and safe I felt I could really just go out and enjoy myself. No fence was too big or too trappy and nothing fazed him. We led the field several times with Piedmont on Thursdays where the fixtures are our most daunting country. It was nothing to have a fourmile point over grass and jump big, stiff fences at speed. Henny was my horse of a lifetime.”

Whitney McWhorter Williams will be gearing up for riding to hounds and helping to whip-in at Belle Meade Hunt (GA) with her 19-year-old mare, Adare (Master Imp (TB) –Trump Diamond (RID), by Diamonds Are Trump – Tudor Rose), imported to the USA 15 years ago. She is an Irish Draught Sport Horse, but also qualifies to call herself an Irish Sport Horse, which means that she was bred and born in Ireland.

“Adare is my hunt horse of a lifetime,” enthused Williams. “She can whip, go first flight, third flight or whatever I ask of her. She has never refused a jump.

She was bred to an Irish Draught and now her baby can be ridden anywhere in the hunt field, just like Adare. In my opinion Irish Draughts are levelheaded and you always know what you’re going to get on hunt day.

They are reliable and dependable. Coyote chases are long and tough, but she loves it.”

In addition to stamina and that Irish Draught longevity, Williams noted that Adare is always mindful of the hounds even if they gallop alongside them and added, “As a whip horse, she occasionally spots quarry before I do and will alert me by a swift turn of her head towards it.”

Willing and Able Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sport Horses boast bloodlines endowed with the most desirable qualities attributable to any modern breed: temperament, soundness, and uncanny jumping ability. They come by their genetic inheritance naturally, thanks to centuries of galloping across the Irish countryside, pulling the plows, and harnessed to the family wagons for a run to Sunday church. They are capable of whatever you are willing to ask them.

Skip Crawford, Senior Jt-MFH Potomac Hunt (MD), leads whichever field he is assigned with Dandelion Diamond Rebel (aka Irish Conor), his Registered Irish Draught stallion. The master sometimes whips in on his hunting partner, too. Crawford bought the six-year-old in November 2007: talk about a match made in horse heaven.

“Conor goes wherever I want to go, although he’s happiest in the front because that’s where hounds are,” Crawford said. “He knows where the hounds are, even if he can’t see them, and his intention is always to go with the hounds. Yet, he does understand when the field is just galloping on and comes to a halt. If he sees a field is checked, he doesn’t feel compelled to run up and slam into them. He’s very smart. He’s not going to waste his energy unless hounds are screaming on, running a fox. Then he’ll be in the bridle, because he knows it’s time to get serious.”

Keep in mind that these horses are bred with hunting genes. No doubt, they are savvy enough and, if they could carry the horn, quite a few would be willing and able to hunt their pack of hounds.

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Chris Gudger and Declan. Photo courtesy of Chris Gudger

Linda Cowasjee and Hennessy. Janet Hitchen photo

Whitney McWhorter Williams and Adare, Belle Meade Hunt, Georgia. www.bellavitaequestrian.com photo

Skip Crawford, MFH Potomac Hunt, and his stallion Conor.

Janet Hitchen photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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HOUND SHOWS

The Southwest Hound Show

By John J. Carle, II, ex-MFH • Photos by Sammy Buczkowski

Brazos Valley “Jessie” ’12, Champion American Bitch and Reserve Champion American Hound.

Champion American Doghound Brazos Valley “Mystic” with Sandy Dixon, MFH and Huntsman; Reserve Champion American Doghound Brazos Valley “Chinook” with whipper-in Kathy Brown.

Champion Crossbred Hound North Hills “Kid Rock” with Tyce Mothershead, Huntsman.

1st Entered American Doghound Brazos Valley “Mystic.”

Winning Crossbred Brood Bitch Independence “Foxy.”

Weatherford, Texas, sparkled under an azure sky, warming sun, and a buffeting breeze as four packs readied themselves to compete in the Southwest Hound Show. “April in Texas,” I thought. “It’s the place to be!” But getting here was another story: an interminable, rain-delayed odyssey, with uncertainty the order of the day. Finally, in Dallas and surrounded by cussin’ cowboys, there was an hour’s anxious wait for luggage. To boot, my cell phone died on the way to the airport and steadfastly defied all attempts at CPR. And would anyone lend me one? Hell, no!

Finally my hosts, Sandy and Bobby Dixon, appeared as if by magic, all smiles despite a four-hour wait.

Gotta tell you, a mushroom-smothered steak and a huge schooner of Shiner Bock went down mighty well!

After a blissful night at the Dixons’ snug ranch house (sporting art on the wall, puppies on the porch – my kind of house!), Bobby gave me a tour of the stable, and I met their horses. I was careful not to meet their Brazos Valley hounds, who were being loaded on a gooseneck. Packed and ready and off to Greenwood Farm in Weatherford, Texas, scene of biannual horse trials (the spring edition is on the May 4th weekend), we met our charming hostess, Christi Tull, who, it turns out, used to hunt as a junior with Potomac and later lived in Leesburg, Virginia, where she was familiar with the Virginia Hound Show, which was then held at “Oatlands.” Christi’s house, of her own design, is one of the most attractive I’ve ever stayed in: understated elegance with an aura of serenity unlike any other. Then daughter Sarah arrived from Austin, and Christi took us on a tour of the quite formidable event course. En route, we met Christi’s sidekick, jack-of-all-trades Marvin Savage, whose affable nature and laconic wit make him a boon companion. The preshow dinner ended our busy day, leaving us well prepared for the morrow.

It was disappointing on show day to find that from Texas only Brazos Valley and Houston’s Independence Foxhounds were competing. However, Peter and Amanda Wilson brought the Grand Canyon Hounds from faraway Flagstaff, Arizona, and from Missouri Valley, Iowa, came Tyce and Hillary Mothershead with the North Hills pack. We expected Oklahoma’s Harvard Fox Hounds, but they were a no-show. Most missed was Tommy Jackson’s pack from Kansas, but unfortunate circumstances kept them at home.

The American division opened the show, and Brazos Valley flat-out owned the doghounds.

Unentered “Aaron” (BV “Chinook” ’06 x BV “Carol” ’08) edged Grand Canyon “Stihl.” In the Entered Doghounds, BV “Mystic” ’10 (BV “Catfish” ’06 x BV “Meadow” ’07) continued his win streak, begun at Virginia in 2012, where he won the Under Twenty Couple Entered Class. “Mystic” is a beautifully balanced dog and a lovely mover. And he should be: his sire is a Virginia ribbon winner and his dam is by the inimitable Potomac “Jefferson” ’05.

“Mystic’s” half-brother, “Choctaw” ’10 (out of “Tutu”) was second. Brazos Valley “Chinook” ’08 handily won the Stallion Hound blue over the most unusual looking hound on the grounds, Grand

Canyon’s mostly-Walker and aptly-named “Stripes,” who is brindled. This marking, seen in greyhounds and lurchers (handsome) and pit-bulls (menacing) is startling to see in a foxhound. “Mystic,” who floated across the ring as lightly as a wind-blown cloud, was dominating as Doghound Champion, relegating “Chinook” (his half-brother by “Catfish” ’06) to Reserve.

Grand Canyon briefly interrupted the Brazos Valley juggernaut by winning the Unentered Bitch class with “Podcast” over Brazos Valley “Aaron’s” litter sister, “April.” Then, oh so ready for the Entered Bitch class, into the ring pranced the eye-catching BV “Jessie” ’12 (Potomac “Jefferson” ’05 x BV “Carolina” ’08). Small, dark red and an exquisite mover, she has inherited her sire’s penchant for showmanship, and she beat kennelmate “Marley” ’10 (“Mystic’s” littermate and Reserve Champion Bitch at Virginia in 2012). BV “Meadow” ’07 (Potomac “Jefferson” ’05 x their “Mallow” ’03) was an easy choice as winning Brood Bitch. Her litter is one of the most outstanding ever to grace the flags, producing such stalwarts as Potomac’s “Magnet,” “Maple,” “Mango,” and “Mayfly.” Incidentally, “Meadow’s” younger full brother, Rolling Rock “Mallard” ’09, won 2012 Stallion Hound honors at Virginia and went on to be Reserve Champion American Doghound. Quite the dynasty! And what a class to judge was the American Bitch Championship! In the end, however, youth prevailed as the years caught up with “Meadow,” robbing a tiny bit of her fluidity of movement and scaling back her enthusiasm, as she bowed to “Jessie’s” grace and boundless joie de vivre.

And then “Mystic” and “Jessie” put on a real clinic for the American tricolor. Earlier it had seemed that “Jessie” would wear the crown, but so much for preconceived ideas when “Mystic” is the opponent.

This handsome, Belvoir-tan dog is grace personified, and he skimmed across the grass as effortlessly as the swallows that whirled overhead, demanding the title as his, then earning it with a champion’s flourish.

The Crossbred division followed, and North Hills’ long journey was made immediately worthwhile when their “Kid Rock” emphatically opened his account in the Unentered Dogs. By NHH “Ira” ’11 out of the Mooreland-bred “Passion,” this extremely mature young dog, white with immense presence and poise, exudes the quality of his bloodlines, which trace to the best of the Midland and Mooreland. He has an air about him reminiscent of Midland “Cloud,” who set the ring afire at “Oatlands” in the early ’80s. Independence “Spy” placed an awed second. “Kid Rock” and “KK” won the couples over Independence “Sniper” and “Spy.” North Hills dominated the Entered Dogs, winning with homebreds “Justice” and “Ira,” who then paired to beat Independence “Willie” and “Wonka” in the Couples. “Ira” then bounced back to capture Stallion Hound honors over Brazos Valley “Baxter.” In the Doghound Championship, “Kid Rock” respected his elders not a whit, snatching the tricolor from “Justice” almost with disdain.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

“Kid Rock’s” impressive sister “Kappa” bested Independence “Sandy” in Unentered Bitches. NHH littermates “Izzy” and “Ivy” topped the Entered Bitches and took the Couples from Independence “Foxy” and “Fantom.” The “F” sisters returned to go one-two in the Brood Bitch class. But then it was all North Hills, as “Kappa” won the Bitch Championship and “Izzy” the Reserve. Chivalry apparently holds no sway in “Kid Rock’s” makeup, as he nonchalantly snatched the Breed Championship from sister “Kappa” to set the stage for a very competitive Grand Championship donnybrook.

But first the Stallion Hound with Get and Brood Bitch with Produce took center stage. In the former, North Hills “Ira” had the best of Brazos Valley “Chinook,” and in the latter, Brazos Valley’s “Carolina’s” family were a little more level than kennelmate “Meadow’s.”

Two really outstanding doghounds met for the ultimate honor, putting on a display worthy of any venue. Both have great presence in the ring and enthusiasm for the task at hand. Both are excellent movers, but in the final analysis, Brazos Valley “Mystic” played “Secretariat” to North Hills “Kid Rock’s” “Sham,” waltzing away with all the silver.

A very good pack class ended the show, with the Grand Canyon Five Couples putting on a beautiful exhibition, the perfect example of rapport between hounds and their Huntsman, Peter Wilson. North Hills

and Independence followed, both with happy performances.

This show is always a real pleasure to judge. The Brazos Valley Masters and members do yeoman work putting it all together, and their hearty Texas welcome is unbeatable. Christi Tull’s facilities are excellent: extensive, accessible, and workmanlike, all in a lovely, sylvan setting. And the lady herself is a hostess without peer. The outstanding thing about this year’s show was that, despite the light entries, the overall quality was sky-high; and the top hounds belong in any ring in the country. I would urge all the other Texas hunts and those in neighboring states to drive a little and participate. Support your show; you’ll be ever so glad you did.

Huntsman Tyce Mothershead with North Hills “Izzy,” Best Entered Crossbred Bitch.

Pack Class winner Grand Canyon Hounds with Peter Wilson, Huntsman; Amanda Wilson, Whipper-in.

Brazos Valley “Mystic” ’10 with his Grand Champion trophy.

HOUND SHOWS

Southern Hound Show

By Daphne Wood, MFH, Live Oak Hounds

Mooreland “Wary” ’12 Grand Champion of Show, Champion Crossbred, Champion Bitch Hound, Winner of Entered Bitch.

Wendy Butler photo

Fox River Valley “Parsley” ’08 Reserve Grand Champion of Show, Reserve Champion Bitch, Winner of Brood Bitch.

Wendy Butler photo

The seventh annual Southern Hound Show, held on April 6th at Live Oak Plantation, Monticello, Florida, produced a perfect day for showing hounds, chilly in the morning and low seventies in the afternoon.

This year’s judges were Mr. Richard Tyacke, MFH and huntsman of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn’s Wynnstay Hounds in England, and Mrs. Tyacke who substituted for Dr. John W. D. McDonald, MFH London Hunt in Canada, who was taken ill the night before the show. Dr. Charlotte McDonald, MFH London Hunt, was the apprentice judge.

Mr. Tyacke said that he was thrilled by the amount of quality he saw in every class. He was very impressed with the levelness shown, particularly in the Two Couple Classes where some hunts produced more than one entry.

As is the custom, all hound types are judged together in one ring, as also happens at the Canadian Hound Show. Eight packs showed, which is one more than the seven that showed in the 35 couple or more in the Crossbred ring at Virginia in 2012.

Past Grand Champions of this show may not show in any class that qualifies for a championship.

The Grand Champion Mooreland “Wary” ’12 was Reserve Grand Champion of Show at last year’s Southern Hound Show. She is full of quality and was a worthy winner. Mooreland “Wary” is tail female Fox River Valley “Winnie” ’99 to North Cotswold “Fortress” ’79 with Cottesmore ST inside the pedigree. The dam’s tail male traces to Penn-Marydel Rose Tree “Astro” ’89. The interior of the pedigree also has Midland “Whiskey” ’76 and American Walker blood from the London Hunt in Canada.

On the top, “Wary” is by Fox River Valley “Keg” ’05 who sired the 2011 Grand Champion of Show, Fox River Valley “Nightcap” ’09. “Keg” and his dam Fox River Valley “Secretary” ’99 were both Grand Champion of Show in Virginia.

The Reserve Grand Champion of Show, Fox River Valley “Parsley” ’08, was able to compete for Reserve by virtue of having been Reserve Champion Bitch to Mooreland “Wary.” “Parsley” bested the Champion Dog Midland “Tony” ’12 who was bred by the Fox River Valley and is by Fox River Valley “Kent” ’09 who won as an unentered dog at the Southern Hound Show.

Interestingly the winning couple of Unentered Bitches and their littermate, who was part of the Champion Two Couple of Dogs, are tail male to Steve Parrish’s “Adios Eagle,” the two-time National Champion Treeing Walker coonhound.

It was disappointing that only one and a half couple of American hounds were shown and no PennMarydels were present. The American hounds, all hailing from Fox River Valley, go back to the able Piedmont huntsman Randy Waterman.

Live Oak “Farrier” ’10, the 2012 Virginia Hound Show Grand Champion of Show and littermate to Live Oak “Fable” ’10, the 2011 Grand Champion of Virginia, was shown only in Stallion Hound with Get, which he won.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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ACROSS THE POND

Foxhound Show in Mid-Wales

By Jim Meads

Champion Fell Hound Teme Valley “Rascal” and Huntsman David Savage.

Judge Martyn Arnold inspecting the last three Unentered Welsh Doghounds.

Champion Hill Hound Brecon & Talybont “Radish” and Huntsman Mark Powell, MFH.

Champion Welsh Hound and Supreme Champion Hound Llanwrthwl “Ranger” with Huntsman Mark Jones; Clem Richards, David Davies President; Scott Lewis, David Davies Chairman; Judge Marty Arnold.

Best Entered Welsh Bitch Plas Machynlleth “Dorcas” with Huntsman Aled Jones.

By tradition, each hunt year begins on May 1st, when masterships and staff change, where necessary. So, on May 5, I began my 64th season as a photojournalist, specializing in fox, coyote, and hare hunting, as well as other equestrian sports and game shooting worldwide.

The day dawned dry, after weeks of rain, and I made my way to the Mid-Wales Country Show in Llandinam, organized by the David Davies Foxhounds, and close to their kennels built in 1905. There were classes for horses, ponies, show jumping, dogs of various breeds, including lurchers and working terriers, all on a grassy meadow close to the mighty river Severn. However, I was present to enjoy the foxhound show, with Martyn Arnold, huntsman to the Gelligaer Farmers hounds since 1999, judging classes for Welsh, Fell, and Hill Hounds. Entries traveled from many parts of Wales, with the most distant being the Eryri from Snowdonia, North Wales, and a very new pack, the Penrhwifer from the Rhondda Valley, where I was evacuated to upon having been “bombed out” in 1944!

Soon events were under way, with partisan supporters at the ringside cheering on “their” hounds. I’ll begin with the Welsh ring, where the largest classes appeared, full of high class, broken-coated hounds. A very strong group was forward in the Unentered Dogs, which is great for the future of the breed, and the winner was Llanwrthwl “Ranger,” whose country is in the Elan Valley. The older dogs were headed by Brecon and Talybont “Lifter,” bred and shown by huntsman Mark Powell, MFH, who was at the Toronto & North York pack in Canada for 12 years. The young bitches were a nice lot, with Penrhwifer “Dubious” winning, to the delight of huntsman Alex Hill and his young daughter Poppy. The Entered Bitches were headed by the well-known Plas Machynlleth “Dorcas,” who showed superbly for longtime huntsman Aled Jones, who is single-handed at their isolated kennels. This brought the four winners into the ring together to decide on the Welsh Champion, which unanimously Best Unentered Welsh Bitch went to Llanwrthwl Penrhwifer “Dubious” with Huntsman Alex Hill and daughter “Ranger.”

The Fell Poppy.

classes were dominated by the Teme Valley, where 23 years as huntsman David Savage is carrying on the good work he inherited from his late father, who carried the horn Best Entered Hill Doghound Penrhwifer “Bicester.” from 1977-2011.

They won all classes, with the Champion being the Entered Bitch “Rascal.”

Hill Foxhounds came in many shapes and sizes, making them difficult to judge, but Marty Arnold sorted them most professionally. The Entered Dog winner, Penrhwifer “Bicester,” was interesting, being a big upstanding white hound whose breeding includes an outcross to a white West Country Harrier.

Mark Powell, MFH, again worked his magic on the Unentered Bitch Brecon & Talybont “Radish,” who went on to Best Couple of Fell Hounds Teme Valley “Glory” and “Gracious” shown by win the Hill Robbie Savage.

Championship.

Finally, the three breed champions were judged against each other to choose a Supreme Hound, and this went to Llanwrthwl “Ranger,” the W e l s h Champion, to hearty cheers from huntsman Mark Jones and his family and friends, who celebrated in true foxhunting Best Entered Welsh Doghound Brecon & fashion.

Talybont “Lifter” with Huntsman Mark Powell, MFH.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

AGA’S SAGAS

21

Pop Quiz

I simply cannot believe the Virginia Hound Show is them, too. Since a rider’s uniform is so conservative, already over. It is officially summer! It seems, like the often the only place a rider can show their individuality Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the day after the show is hidden beneath their boots. We have all kinds of socks is over we begin planning for next year. This year went and boot socks in both conservative and crazy patterns to off without a hitch as we brought a condensed version of let you express your inner self while perfecting the fit the store to the beautiful grounds of Morven Park. The and comfort of your new boots. girls work really hard making lists of things to pack, “I’m glad we dinna have to wear socks. We’d need two loading the vans, and leaving before dawn to arrive on pair. Imagine having to match those up each laundry the grounds by 6:00 to start reestablishing the magic of day!”

Horse Country under a large tent. We’re never more like a three ring circus than when we take Horse Country on “I don’t know, Bunsen. I’m quite fond of our Horse the road!

Country Signature Socks. Since I can’t wear heels, socks The girls and Hector are lucky if they can get everywould really dress me up.” thing arranged to our Marion’s satisfaction before eager exhibitors try to duck under the ribbon and get a jump on “HEELS?!? Dinnae be daft, lassie! Imagine a dog in their friends. We passed out hairnets and gloves to hanheels! How preposterous!”

Aga. dlers trying only somewhat successfully to restrain their “I don’t know. There was a very popular book called The lovely hounds.

Horse with the High Heeled Shoes by Louis Slobodkin. It worked for the horse, Bunsen and I usually sit right at the edge of the tent calling out good luck to well, until it rained. Maybe Jenny could find you a copy.” the entries and better luck next year to those returning to kennels without a rosette.

If you’re looking for a new helmet, our selection of helmets is vast, the new UVEX Funny, the non-winners didn’t look any less happy than those with handlers trothelmets have arrived, and our sales associates will spend time with you to make ting by with ribbons fluttering on their kennel coats. sure the helmet you choose not only looks great, but also fits properly. We’ve got “That’s because the hounds dinna care if they win or lose. They’re not hunting but everything you need to look gorgeous whether you’re on top of a well-groomed they’re spending quality time with their huntsmen and whips. Why shouldn’t they horse, or leading an adorable child on an even more adorable pony. be happy?”

If you’re planning a ringside picnic on Sunday for the Grand Prix, we’ve got the tableware that will set your party apart. From lovely pewter service plates, to “But, Bunsen, don’t you think they want to win?” equestrian themed salt and pepper shakers, to fancy table clothes, let Horse “I think if they’re not getting up a fox they could nae care less. They just like being Country make your celebration memorable. We’ve got service trays perfect for setout, and getting a biscuit tossed at them.” ting out those Virginia ham biscuits and jumbo shrimp. You can see them all on www.HorseCountryCarrot.com.

“I’d want to win. Biscuit or no biscuit.”

“Of course you would, lassie, you’re quite the competitor.”

“Biscuit? Did you say ‘Biscuit?’ Where?”

We’d like to congratulate all of the winners and especially the Grand Champion Mooreland “Wary 2012” and Reserve Champion Potomac “Templeton 2012.”

Also we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Ciaran Murphy (Golden’s Bridge Hounds) was the winner of the very popular horn blowing contest. As always it was highly competitive.

So now it’s time for Upperville Horse Show. Locally it’s always referred to just as “Uppaville.” But do you know its complete name? It’s also the oldest horse show in the United States. Would you care to guess how many years it has been held?

Do you know, Bunsen?

“Bunsen, it was just a suggestion of what someone might serve if they were having a party in their box at the Grand Prix. Speaking of boxes, do you know how many stalls have been rented for the show?”

“Nay. Is this Scottish Jeopardy!? D’ye think you’re Alex McTrebek?”

“No it’s more like Trivia Night at McMahon’s Irish Pub in Warrenton.”

“Pfft, wake me up when the subject is bacon, er badgers.”

Well, do you know, dear readers? The answers will be at the end of the column.

When Upperville is just ahead, both the riders and the spectators spend time getting prepared. For riders, we have the latest in technical show shirts designed to keep you cool and dry. Of course, we also sell Barbour raincoats, both short and long, just in case the weather is on the damp side and we all return to Mudderville.

Do you remember what year that was? I stayed home, but Wendy (remember her?) had a tent on the hunter ring side. It took her days to dry out!

We’ve got so many styles of breeches that will flatter your figure (and your tummy) you must stop by and see which ones suit you best. Whether you’re doing the hunters in beige or the jumpers in white we have your breeches. In a wide array of price points so you have money left over for your braider! Our show coats this year are simply the best! They stretch! They breathe! They’re short! They make you look splendid!

“Arf! And hot!”

If you haven’t bought your new boots for the year, you’ll love our selection of zippered tall boots. In addition to our always popular Woodley dress boots and Waverly field boots, we offer our very affordable Nimrod zippered field boots. At only $116.00, the Nimrods are perfect for muddy days and growing riders. Should your leadliner or short stirrup rider have outgrown their paddock shoes, we stock

“How would I know that, Aga?” “I thought you might have overheard Tommy Lee Jones telling Marion, that’s all, it’s a lot and also that all the vendor spaces have been snapped up. Yessirree, Bunsen, I think this cool and wet spring has everyone thinking positively. We never saw so many happy faces at the end of the day at Hound Show.”

We have an incredible selection of smart English hats... Some of our hats went to the Kentucky Derby and the Virginia Gold Cup this year. It would be very sad if these hats didn’t have a chance to go to Upperville.

“Yes, it would be vera, vera sad for the hats. But what about us?”

“Oh, Bunsen, you know we go to Upperville every year. We have to help Marion judge the Tack Room Contest and give out her awards. I, for one, can’t wait to see what those clever exhibitors have come up with this year.”

“Aye, Lassie, there’s nothing like a $500 gift certificate to spur creativity!”

“So true.”

I hope you’ll come out and see all or part of the festivities the Upperville show offers. We’ll be there on Sunday for the Grand Prix. Look for me up front watching all the action. Look for Bunsen under our burgeoning table of delectables. Till next time!

Aga Answers to our Upperville Trivia Quiz: The actual name of the show is The Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

The show was founded in 1853; this is the 160th year.

“Mudderville” occurred in 2006.

Tommy Lee Jones reports that over 1,076 stalls have been rented for the six day show.

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JENNY’S PICKS Attention, foxhunting art aficionados! We’ve got a lovely new art book for lovers of vulpes vulpes. As soon as I saw the advertisement I knew we had to have it for our fox-loving readers.

Orrelle, John. The Red Fox in Art. This book began with an idea for an illustrated article on the fox in art; it quickly grew into book volume as more and more artwork was selected. And what a book it is! A bit larger than 11” x 11” and almost 2” thick, it has sufficient size to devote a single page to each image – over 290 works. Most paintings are in color, but some illustrations are black and white, and there is a section of sculpture at the end as well.

Artists range from Winslow Homer to Robert Bateman and include catalog, magazine, and book covers as well as paintings. There’s even a couple of pages depicting Brer Fox as illustrated

by A. B. Frost for Uncle Remus. Most depict the fox doing what he does naturally – hunt, eat, sleep, and play; but the fox sometimes also becomes the hunted, as is suggested in Homer’s dark and moody Fox Hunt. Text is limited to a few pages so as to have more room for the artwork. Privately published, this is available in limited quantities. Don’t miss out on this one! Hardcover, 358pp. $75.00 Congratulations are in order for Patrick Smithwick the younger, whose book Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing has been awarded the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award for the best racing-related book of the year, which came with a $10,000 check and a crystal trophy. If you haven’t yet read this enthralling account of his return to steeplechase riding, published last year, you can still get it from us. It makes for some exciting reading. Price is $30, plus shipping. Patrick’s first book was Racing My Father, about his father “Paddy” Smithwick, who was also a noted steeplechase jockey.

And speaking of steeplechasers, there’s a new book out on a very famous ‘chaser of the past from right here in Virginia.

Ours, Dorothy. Battleship. The author of the popular biography of Man O’ War has written a new biography of one of his sons, the famed American

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 steeplechaser Battleship, owned by Marion du Pont Scott. Not many American horses have won the incredibly tough British steeplechase, the Grand National, but Battleship did. Ms. Ours entwines the story of the horse, his owner, and his teenage jockey in yet another highly readable account that you won’t want to put down.

Hardcover, 368pp. $26.99

this little book makes an amusing gift for the non-horsey male in your life, the humor spicing up tidbits of information like brief definitions of horse color, the difference between hunters and jumpers, and how to make oneself useful (and appreciated) at a show.

Paperback, 26pp. $13.95

Holladay, Cary. Horse People. The author has created a collection of short stories set in Rapidan, Virginia, chronicling the lives of the Fenton family across several generations from postCivil War into the turn of the next century. Nelle Fenton is the central character around which most of the action centers, bouncing from past to present and back again as memories come and go. Nelle, from a well-to-do New England family, becomes deeply involved with horses and hunting, although the focus is not on foxhunting per se. Paperback, 188pp. $23.00

Hound. Many hunts are partial to the strain of foxhound known as the PennMarydel, from the three states in which it primarily developed. This is the story of that strain’s development, accompanied by numerous photographs in b&w and color, but it is not a beginning-toend history so much as an anthology of writings by a wide variety of people.

Hardcover, 224pp. $39.00

previous book, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Hardcover with marbled endpapers, unpaginated. $195 Scharnberg, James F., MBH, ed.

Rycroft on Hounds, Hunting and Country, Scharnberg has assembled a number of articles written by Sir Newton Rycroft (20th C.) on hounds and hunting for Hounds magazine and b&w photographs from Frank and Jim Meads’ archives to create an informative yet entertaining volume centering about the breeding and hunting of good hounds. Hardcover, 210pp. $60.00

Used books on foxhounds come Since this is the Virginia Hound in occasionally. In our files, we Show issue, here are a few hound have some copies of the A few more new books have books to round out my column. Foxhound Stud Book of America and the following other come in that you might enjoy.

Addis, H. L. Todd. Our Penn-Marydel books:

Krecek, Vicki; and Donovan Ketzler. K 37472591 One Soldier’s Story.

Donovan Ketzler grew up around horse cavalry and was riding their mounts as a teenager. In high school he joined the ROTC. After the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, war fever took hold, and he left college to join the horse cavalry.

He wound up posted to the ChinaBurma-India Theater, and the majority of this book contains his experiences there – a far cry from the romantic horse cavalry of earlier wars. Ketzler retired a major through field promotions; after the war he was a founder and Master of the North Hills Hunt (Nebraska) and is now chairman emeritus of the Dehner Company (his father was a custom boot-maker and taught him the trade). Ketzler at age 89 still rides several times a week but has decided the 27-year-old horse was getting on a bit to continue jumping! B&w photos are scattered throughout.

Paperback, 98pp. $7.98

Hitchen, Janet. Foxhounds. From the lady who gives us our lovely cover photographs each issue of In and Around Horse Country and her first book of photographs, entitled It’s A Wonderful Life, come two more exquisite albums of her work. This one is entirely devoted to the foxhound, from kennel to show ring to hunt field, in both color and b&w. As with her other one, the printing is on top-quality paper that in itself is a joy to touch. It is available in very limited quantities, being self-published; a few of the images are repeated from her earlier volume, such as the delightful portrait of Melvin Poe amidst his hounds. Marbled endpapers complete the classy appearance.

Hardcover, approx. 9” x 11” in size and unpaginated. $165

Hitchen, Janet. A Life with Horse and Hound. The grandeur of the hunt unfolds within these pages of familiar faces and places. Hounds spill over chicken coops and splash through creeks, huntsmen “road” hounds even on a bicycle, gallop across fields, see Reynard put to ground. A nice pair with Foxhounds, this is available in the 9” x 11” size with marbled endpapers.

Clarke, Torie; and Dean Graham. Hardcover, unpaginated. $165.00 Where the Heck Can I Get a Beer?

(The Husband’s Father’s Boyfriend’s Also available in a larger 11½” x 15” Guide to Surviving Horse Shows). size, which would pair well with her Delightfully illustrated by Miles Lewis,

Acton, C. R. Hounds/An Account of the Kennels of Great Britain with Some Record of Make, Shape and Pedigree. Heath Cranton Ltd., London, 1939. While foxhounds predominate, there are also basset and beagle packs included, as well as chapters on two great hound shows of Britain, the Aldershot and the Peterborough. This is a great reference if you are interested in hound history. Good condition, sound and clean, no dj. Includes 63 photographs. Hardcover, 268pp. #3092. $70.00 Gilbey, Sir Walter. Hounds in Old Days.

Spur Publications/Saiga Publishing, Surrey, England, 1979. 2nd ed., rev. by C.M.F. Scott. Gilbey’s book was originally published in 1913. Scott here attempted to update material to reflect 60-odd years of changes to foxhounds, beagles, otterhounds, staghounds, and harriers as well as return a scarce reference to print. B&w photos and artwork illustrate the book.

Fine condition, dj fine in protective plastic cover. Hardcover, 185pp. #2344. $45.00 Moore, Daphne. The Book of the Foxhound. J. A. Allen & Co., London, 1964. Moore covers the foxhound from nose to tail – conformation, history, kennel practices, hunting practices, hound shows, even offering extensive lists of names for dog and bitch should you find yourself at a loss for a hound name. There’s a whole bibliography chapter devoted to recommended additions to your library. It doesn’t get much more complete than this! Book very good condition, dj torn, in protective plastic cover. Hardcover, 238pp. #6136. $90.00

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

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Marketing, Marketing, Marketing A great location is the key to real estate, but how great is your location if no one knows about it?

Text hrse to 69302 to see how I tell everyone in Horse Country that your house is for sale.

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TO GET YOUR AD IN THE NEXT ISSUE

CALL MARY COX (540) 636-7688 hcmaryads@embarqmail.com OR HORSE COUNTRY (540) 347-3141

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Reid Enterprises Fencing and Barns CARY A. REID P.O. Box 2027 Middleburg, VA 20118

540-253-7005 Mobile 540-454-1000 www.reidfencingandbarns.com

In & Around Horse Country Is Now Online!

In & Around Horse Country is now available at the click of your mouse.

Just go to www.issuu.com/horsecountrypost to read the current and past issues.

It’s the same informative, entertaining content presented in a more colorful online format, and with hotlinks to our advertisers and other sites of interest.

Now you have a choice: Enjoy our popular, traditional print edition, or get to In & Around Horse Country – the world of foxhunting, racing, polo, and other horse sports – with a single click.

HORSES Thoroughbred horses for sale and free to good approved homes. Fillies and colts. Contact Amanda Tuttle amandatuttle@mac.com and 1443-562-3284 Rock Hall Maryland.

Richard Clay Photography HORSEFARMSANDCOUNTRYHOMES.COM

Cindy Polk, 703.966.9480, David O’Flaherty Realtor specializing in country properties from cottages, land and hobby farms to fine estates and professional equestrian facilities.

Washington Fine Properties. 204 E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA. VACATION RENTAL, charming cottage in The Plains, near Middleburg fully furnished, sleeps 2-4, day,week or month. (540) 246-5880, www.VRBO.com/392274

FARM SITTING EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL horsewoman available for on site farm-sitting July and August 2013. Will include riding of horses if desired. Excellent references. Gloria Glossbrenner (540) 219-1622.

Border Terriers

Brenda Milne (540) 937-2099 Cel. (703) 609-7200 18691 Springs Road Jeffersonton, VA 22724

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www.lizcallar.com FOXHUNTING PHOTOGRAPHER lizcallar@aol.com

VIRGINIA HUNT WEEK: Plan Ahead for This Popular Event The tentative schedule for this fall’s Virginia Hunt Week (which is actually two weeks, but so much the better!) has been announced.

The organizers report that at least half of the clubs have agreed to the posted dates. For updates on the schedule and other information, visit www.vahuntweek.org.

Sat. Oct. 12 Sun. Oct. 13 Mon. Oct. 14 Tues. Oct. 15 Wed. Oct. 16 Thurs.Oct. 17 Fri. Oct. 18 Sat. Oct. 19 Sun. Oct. 20 Mon. Oct. 21 Tues. Oct. 22 Wed. Oct. 23 Thurs.Oct. 24 Fri. Oct. 25 Sat. Oct. 26 Sun. Oct. 27

Glenmore Rockbridge Middlebrook Stonewall Bedford Farmington Oak Ridge Keswick Rappahannock Bull Run Casanova Shopping Day Old Dominion Commonwealth Deep Run Reedy Creek

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HORSE RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • JUNE/JULY 2013

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Thoroughbred Association

Virginia-Bred Embarr Wins Dahlia Stakes Pimlico: Virginia-bred Embarr and jockey Forest Boyce teamed up to win for the fifth time, beating 25-1 longshot Ask Me Anything in the $77,500 Dahlia Stakes for fillies and mares in early April at Pimlico Race Course.

Owned, bred, and trained by Susan Cooney, Embarr, with Boyce in the irons, tracked Ask Me Anything in the one mile turf contest, edged to the front at the top of the lane, lost the lead a sixteenth of a mile from the finish line and battled back to win by three-quarters of a length. Charged Cotton joined the battle late in the race and finished a very close third.

“I wanted to be sitting about three, four lengths off the pace,” said Boyce.

“There wasn’t a lot of speed. I didn’t want to be that close but she decided she wantEmbarr. ed to be there so I let her do her thing.”

Jim Mccue/Maryland Jockey Club The rider has won five times aboard the daughter of Royal Academy, including the 2011 Brookmeade Stakes at Colonial Downs.

To that point, Embarr was a perfect three-for-three at Pimlico.

“I was confident because Susan and Pat (Cooney’s husband steeplechase rider Pat Cooney) would have her fit,” added Boyce. “They do such a good job and she is just so consistent. She can be a funny horse but we get along well and she has never run a bad race for me.”

Embarr’s winning time was 1:37.35 and she paid $8, as the second betting choice.

The 5-year-old mare is 7-of-17 lifetime with earnings of $225,984.

Virginia Hall Of Famer Colonial Affair Dies Virginia-bred Belmont Stakes winner Colonial Affair, who helped jockey Julie Krone make history in the classic, died in his stall the morning of April 23 at Haras El Paraiso in Capitan Sarmiento, Argentina, where he had stood for the last decade. He was 23.

Colonial Affair, trained by Scotty Schulhofer for Centennial Farm, won the Belmont Stakes in 1993 with future Hall of Fame jockey Krone aboard, making her the first female rider to win a Triple Crown event. He recorded three other graded stakes placings as a 3year-old that season, including a runner-up effort against older horses in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Colonial Affair went on to a successful season in the handicap ranks in 1994, scoring Grade 1 victories in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Whitney Handicap and also winning Colonial Affair. NYRA photo the Grade 2 Excelsior Handicap.

However, an injury sustained prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic prevented him from contesting that year’s running at Churchill Downs. He retired with seven wins from 20 career starts for earnings of $1,635,228.

Retired to Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1995, Colonial Affair also stood at Arrow Stud on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, before he was purchased by Haras El Paraiso and John Berendt of New York in 2003.

From 15 crops of racing age – including current juveniles – Colonial Affair sired 323 winners, including 21 stakes winners, for earnings of $18,960,942.

Out of the Nijinsky II mare Snuggle, Colonial Affair was bred in Virginia by Herman Greenberg’s Rutledge Farm, who sold him to Don Little’s Centennial Farm as a yearling for $100,000 at the 1991 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select sale. He was broken and received his early training by Paula Parsons at the Middleburg Training Center.

Colonial Affair was elected into the Virginia Equine Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Meadow Celebrates Secretariat’s Birthday Fans of Virginia-born racing legend Secretariat enjoyed a weekend of activities focused on “Big Red” at the Secretariat Birthday Celebration at The Meadow in late March. The event marked the great Thoroughbred’s birthday and kicked off the 40th anniversary of his historic 1973 Triple Crown.

Penny Chenery attended the event along with jockey Ron Turcotte and exercise rider Charlie Davis.

Following a Friday night reception and a special screening of the movie Secretariat, a full day of events followed on Saturday which included an autograph session with Chenery, Ron Turcotte and Charlie Davis, a chance to meet the original grooms and riders of Meadow Stable and an opportunity to meet local Secretariat descendants Covert Action and Rainaway.

The Secretariat Birthday Celebration was co-hosted by Commonwealth Fairs and Events of Virginia and www.Secretariat.com of Louisville, Kentucky. The Meadow Event Park is owned by CF&E and the Virginia Farm Bureau and is also the site of the State Fair of Virginia.

Battleship’s 75th British Grand National Anniversary Celebration Seventy-five years ago Battleship, a son of Man o’ War, was the first American bred and owned horse to win the British Grand National.

To commemorate the event Montpelier has mounted an exhibit called “Beating the Odds: Montpelier’s Battleship and the British Grand National.” A reception kicking off the exhibit was held in late March at the William DuPont Gallery, Visitors Center at James Madison’s Montpelier.

Owned by Marion DuPont Scott, Battleship was ridden by 17year-old, 6’4” tall Bruce Hobbs. Mrs. Arthur W. Arundel, Rob Banner (President of Great The pair were described as looking Meadow Foundation), and Katherine Imhofff at the openlike a “hairpin on a telephone ing of the Battleship exhibit at Montpelier.

Douglas Lees photo pole.” They prevailed over a field of 36, a course of almost 4½ miles and 30 of the biggest fences in racing.

Battleship ran at his owner’s insistence. Reg Hobbs, his trainer and the jockey’s father, thought he wasn’t up to it; he was too small. Mrs. Scott insisted and history was made.

To overcome his 15.2 hand stature, 18 inches of rein were sewn onto the bridle so the tall jockey could lean back and balance him on the drop fences. Apparently he needed it because after the race Battleship’s nose was streaming blood – he had scraped his nose on landing. The jockey claimed he had “five legs not four.”

After the race the Battleship was paraded through the streets of Lambourn, the home base of his English trainer. In June, he returned to the United States aboard the USS Manhattan. His trainer accompanied him and charged everyone on board a dollar to look at him and donated the money to the Red Cross.

Scott made a promise before the race and was as good as her word; Battleship never raced again. He retired to her home in Virginia, Montpelier, the historic former home of James and Dolley Madison.

Battleship is buried at Montpelier.

Virginia Gold Cup Handles $81,017 According to Equibase the Virginia Gold Cup meet at Great Meadow on May 4th generated $81,017 in pari-mutuel wagers. It was the first time the famous Virginia timber race offered pari-mutuel betting and the first to do so since Morven Park did back in 1991 and 1992.

The betting windows and kiosks saw long lines throughout the day prompting Gold Cup consultant Mike Pearson to speculate that handle might have been “$182,000 instead of almost $82,000” if the lines had moved quicker.

The wagering platform was just the first step in the Virginia Gold Cup Association’s plan to offer pari-mutuel wagering at all of their meets. The plan for the fall race – the International Gold Cup – is for the wagering to take place on cell-phones and hand held devices such as an iPad which should resolve any issues with lines and make the product easier for patrons to access.

The Gold Cup winner, Grinding Speed, paid $12.00 to win.

Virginia-Owned Daydreamin Gracie Wins Pimlico Stakes Charlottesville-based PTK LLC’s Daydreamin Gracie swept by the pacesetter and stormed to victory in the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes, the first of two stakes on April 27th at Pimlico Race Course. Daydreamin Gracie is a Maryland-bred by Domestic Dispute, out of Matti’s Pic by Piccolino.

Garry Cruise was at the reins for trainer Dane Kobiskie for the first time as the daughter of Domestic Dispute beat seven other Maryland-bred fillies and mares in the 1-1/16th mile test for non-winners of a stakes. Daydreamin Gracie finished eight lengths ahead of Touch the Birds.

“They told me just exactly how to ride her,” said Cruise. “She’s a big, good looking, honest filly. She’ll give you everything she’s got. Leave her alone and she’ll do her thing. She knows how to win and I just was the guy who was lucky enough to be on her today.”

Daydreamin Gracie, who has now won six of her last eight starts, was claimed by Kobiskie for PTK last March for $15,000 at Laurel. She was third for her new owners in the $100,000 All Brandy Stakes last September and her stakes win over the weekend pushes her lifetime earnings to $204,455.

Oakfield Upperville, Virginia • $4,900,000 Stone manor house in spectacular setting • 86.81 acres • Highly protected area in prime Piedmont Hunt • Gourmet kitchen • Wonderful detail throughout • 5 BR • 4 BA • 2 half BA • 3 fireplaces, classic pine paneled library • Tenant house • Stable • Riding ring • Heated saltwater pool • Pergola • Full house generator Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

Trough Hill Farm

Wood Hill

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,900,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,300,000

Near Foxcroft School • 5 BR c. 1830 Virginia farmhouse • Grand stone pavilion • Built of native field stone & antique mahogany floors • Extraordinary structure serves as a banquet room, pool house, green house & guest quarters • Large spring fed pond • Beautiful setting • 103 acres Ann MacMahon (540) 687-5588 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

3 miles from Middleburg • 49 acres • Elegant 1940’s brick colonial home • Stable • Cottage • Apartment • Pool • Tennis court • Mature trees and sweeping lawn to Goose Creek which surrounds most of the property Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

Fox Valley Farm

Hidden Brook Farm

Maresfield

Marshall, Virginia • $1,895,000

Unison, Virginia • $1,490,000

Marshall, Virginia • $1,200,000

Historic property on 32 acres in Orange County Hunt • 1st floor master, den, grand salon, English kitchen with large DR & billiard room • 2nd kitchen/bar leads to patio, pool & guest cottage • 7 stall barn adjoins 3 BR, 2 BA farm manager’s house Ann MacMahon (540) 687-5588 Walter Woodson (703) 499-4961

25 acres • Bright open floor plan • 1st floor bedroom • Pool • Protected location in Orange County Hunt • 5 BR with Income producing horse farm • 16 stall stable with apartment • master suite on first floor • 3 1/2 BA • 2 fireplaces • Mountain Lighted stone dust arena • Great ride out views • Pool • 10 useable acres • 150 x 220 riding arena • 3 barns Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930 totaling 8-9 stalls • Run-in shed • Stone walls Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

P.O. Box 1380, Middleburg, Virginia 20118 • (540) 687-5588 • info@sheridanmacmahon.com • www.sheridanmacmahon.com