Edward Swyer and Hudson River Farms to be Honored at the Graypoint and The University at Albany Foundation Siro’s Cup

©Tod Marks Edward Swyer and Hudson River Farms to be Honored at the Graypoint and The University at Albany Foundation Siro’s Cup to benefit the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc. Swyer, the owner of Hudson River Farms is being honored for his contributions to the horse racing industry, especially Steeplechasing and for his longstanding…

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Steeplechasing returns to Laurel

©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…

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Charles Wayne (Skip) Achuff Jr. Annual Memorial Stalwart of Steeplechase Award 

©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…

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Iroquois & Willowdale recap

©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…

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Iroquois & Willowdale preview  

©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,…

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Cool Jet, Keys Discount shine on busy weekend

Photo of horse

©Tod Marks Despite some ominous weather in Virginia and Delaware, fan turnout was undeterred as the Virginia Gold Cup celebrated its 100th anniversary and Winterthur enjoyed its 47th renewal with a combined 10 races worth $465,000. Six races were on tap at Great Meadow Race Course – a seventh was cancelled when storms blew in…

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Hunt Cup, Foxfield make for a super Saturday 

Photo of horses running

©Tod Marks Maryland and Virginia take center stage for this weekend’s National Steeplechase Association stops. In Glyndon, nine horses are expected to face the starter for the 128th Maryland Hunt Cup, America’s oldest, longest, and most challenging timber race. Meanwhile hurdlers will be spotlighted at Foxfield in Charlottesville, where $240,000 in purses are on the…

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