NSA OWNER AND DUAL MARYLAND HUNT CUP WINNER SUSAN MCDONALD PASSES

Susan McDonald, whose Swayo captured the 2000 and 2003 Maryland Hunt Cup for her Move Up Stables, died on Feb. 13. McDonald also campaigned horses in partnership with others, notably Nancy and Sally Reed. Two of her notable runners were Bonnie’s Bag and River Bed, her top earner, who won a dozen races and $226,000 on the flat and over jumps.

Here’s a link to her obituary that appeared in the Baltimore Sun. The family is planning a memorial service in May.

Kathy Neilson who trained for McDonald for more than two decades, remembered her friend:

“When you train horses for someone for over 20 years, you go through just about everything with that person. Surprise victories in Saratoga with Bonnie’s Bag and Blair Wyatt in the tack. River Bed winning 11 races for us everywhere from Colonial Downs to Little Everglades. One of our brightest moments was It’s Nothing winning at Shawan Downs as it was my daughter Skylar’s (McKenna) first sanctioned win.

“We had so many fun days together. But we had some tough days. Some lost riders, falls, and horses getting injured, which hurts worse than anything. Susie was always so kind, gracious and positive. My favorite Susie line was ‘go for it!’ I was so blessed to have her in my life. I wish I could turn back time to give her one more hug. One more I love you. One more thank you.”