The National Steeplechase Association caravan heads to Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina on Saturday featuring a dozen races, highlighted by the Maryland Hunt Cup.

Sad news to report from the steeplechase community. Daniel M Smithwick Jr., better known as “Speedy,” passed away on April 23 in Middleburg, Va.

The Keri Brion stable enjoyed a four-win day at Middleburg, partnering with Parker Hendriks for three. And in Butler, Md., new NSA rider Freddie Procter doubled on a day when Road to Oz earned his first stakes score.

Top hurdlers return to action in Virginia, while timber veterans square off in Maryland.

The crown jewel of American steeplechasing will receive a $100,000 purse bump as part of an initiative to encourage international participation on a blockbuster, all-stakes day to be telecast around the globe.