Posts Tagged ‘steeplechase’
‘America’s Aintree’: Fair Hill Turf Showcase Set For May 24 And 25
©Maggie Kimmitt The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC), in partnership with the National Steeplechase Association (NSA), Cecil County, the Cecil County Breeders’ Fair, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Fair Hill Foundation, and the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), is excited to host the “Fair Hill Turf Showcase” at historic and scenic Fair Hill in Elkton,…
Read MoreHuge crowd turns out for season opener at Aiken
©Tod Marks Tailgaters were out in force thanks to wonderful weather and an exciting six-race $150,000 card at the showcase facility off of Richland Avenue. Jockey Stephen Mulqueen, one of the top NSA riders over the past two campaigns, got off to a rousing 2026 start with a pair of victories over hurdles in the…
Read MoreMessage from NSA President, Dr. Al Griffin
Dear NSA Horsemen, Members and Supporters: It has been a challenging winter for many of us, with unusual snow events and bitterly cold weather periods, but we are only one week away from the start of the 2026 NSA season. Spring has finally sprung, and we are looking forward to racing again. Steeplechasing in America…
Read MoreThe Passing of Renowned Oscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall at age 95
© Douglas Lees The National Steeplechase Association joins with movie fans across the world in mourning the passing of renowned Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall at age 95. Duval, whose career spanned some seven decades and included unforgettable performances such as Corleone Family consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather, was an equine enthusiast and he frequently…
Read MoreRemembering Henry Wood
In 1981, Henry Wood ventured to New York in search of a steeplechase prospect that hopefully could capture the Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville, Tennessee. Henry was an accomplished amateur jockey who had a burning desire to win what was in that era the most notable amateur race on the NSA circuit. He arrived at Belmont Park…
Read MoreRace Chair Wrap Up
NSA Winter Meetings Deemed a Huge Success The annual NSA Race Chairmen’s and Board of Directors’ meetings were held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, SC. Aiken Steeplechase Chairman Frank Mullins hosted the Race Chairmen’s six-hour conference, which was themed “Sharing Best Practices.” Nineteen of the 28 scheduled race meets…
Read Moreformer steeplechase jockey Leo O’Brien has passed away at age 85
Sad news from the racing community. Retired trainer and former steeplechase jockey Leo O’Brien has passed away at age 85. Leo was the dad of the NSA’s new assistant Racing Secretary Keith O’Brien. Here’s a tribute from the New York Racing Association: NYRA mourns the passing of Leo O’Brien OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New…
Read MoreLisa Rackle Ben-Dov, Virginia Philanthropist, Conservationist and ardent animal lover, dies unexpectedly at 80
Lisa Rackle Ben-Dov, whose life spanned a distinguished professional career in New York with a deeply rooted philanthropic presence in Virginia’s hunt country, died unexpectedly on December 7, 2025, only months after defying cancer. Born in Atlanta on March 21, 1945, to Eugene Emile Rackle and Mabel Claire Moody Rackle, Lisa grew up in Metairie,…
Read MoreSwore locks up novice crown with declarative score in $75,000 Aflac Supreme
©Tod Marks Stone Farm and Upland Flats Racing’s Swore, who captured the Grade 1 Lonesome Glory at Aqueduct in September, proved his mettle against less-experienced foes as much the best in the Aflac Supreme novice stakes, Saturday’s feature at the Pine Mountain, Ga., course. With Stephen Mulqueen riding for trainer Keri Brion, the six-year-old son…
Read MoreCool Jet, Jimmy P, and Little Trilby expected to fight it out for Lonesome Glory Award in $150,000 Colonial Cup
©Tod Marks The National Steeplechase Association has combined the Aiken Fall and Colonial Cup meets on the closing weekend of the season, a 12-race, $500,000 extravaganza in which several championships will be decided. First race post time both days is 1 p.m. There’s plenty of drama left in the 2025 NSA season as the jumpers…
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