©Tod Marks For the first time since 2000, Laurel Park in Maryland will host National Steeplechase Association hurdle races, on Father’s Day, Sunday June 15. The races, to be run over the turf course at 2 ⅛ miles, include a $40,000 maiden special weights contest and $45,000 allowance for non-winners of two races. The races…

©Tod Marks The two-month National Steeplechase Association spring season came to an end on Saturday with a pair of easy wins in the featured events at the 94th Radnor Hunt Races in Malvern, Pa. In the $35,000 National Hunt Cup, contested at 2 1/8 miles as an allowance hurdle, Irv Naylor’s Sultan Pierji earned his…

©Tod Marks Following his passing in 2022, Skip Achuff’s family created the Stalwart of Steeplechase Award to recognize those who epitomize the qualities Skip brought to the sport.  Nominees for the award represent the sport of steeplechase with professionalism, integrity, and dedication; uphold the rules of the sport; and prioritize the safety of horses and…

©Tod Marks Abaan, China Beach, and Gold Charm sparkle in Nashville, while Mr. Fine Threads triumphs in Willowdale’s timber feature. With 13 races and $690,000 in purses, Saturday’s meets drew more than 90 hurdle and timber entries from maidens, claimers, and ratings handicappers, to novice, allowance, and stakes stars, looking to increase their bankrolls as…

©Tod Marks History is on the line as Snap Decision headlines the biggest meet of the spring at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. An unprecedented fourth win in the Grade 1 Iroquois would make the Eclipse Award winner the richest American steeplechaser of all time. Meanwhile, six racing opportunities abound for timber specialists, mid-level hurdlers,…