'Jump' - Recap of Saturday’s Racing at Tryon Block House Races and My Lady’s Manor, Grand National and Middleburg Spring Races Preview, Throwback - The Mean Queen!
'Jump' - Recap of Saturday’s Racing at Tryon Block House Races and My Lady’s Manor, Grand National and Middleburg Spring Races Preview, Throwback - The Mean Queen!
Monday April 15th, Edition #27
In Case You Missed It: This Weekends Top 6 USA Jump Racing Stories
Contents
Weekend Review - My Lady’s Manor and Tryon Review
Saturday’s Results - My Lady’s Manor and Tryon Block House Races
Saturday’s Preview - Grand National Steeplechase Races and the Middleburg Spring Races
Throwback - The Mean Queen Triumphs Over Snap Decision in the Lonesome Glory Showdown at Belmont Park - 2021
Willowdale Steeplechase - The Tradition Continues - May 11th
Iroquois Steeplechase - Iroquois Introduces Grooms Bonuses - May 11th
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My Lady’s Manor Review
By Tod Marks
With William Dowling and Justin Batoff
Not only was it a big day for Armata Stables with Our Friend taking the feature, but there were plenty of cheers for Hyggelig Haven's Druid's Altar, trainer Willie Dowling and jockey Dan Nevin, who captured the first division of the Tom Voss Memorial maiden, along with Merriebelle Stables' Wagner, a Maryland Hunt Cup hopeful for Blythe Miller and jockey Freddie Procter, who was very impressive in his NSA debut in the second division of the Voss.
It was also a memorable meet for trainer Todd McKenna and new jockey Andrew Burke Ott, who doubled with Keystone Thoroughbreds' Hard Strike in the John Rush Streett allowance and Upland Partners' Rhythmia in the John D. Schapiro allowance for apprentice riders.
Tryon Block House Review
By USASteeplechase
2023 Champion trainer, Leslie Young, secured two wins with "Tufton Avenue (IRE)" and "Go Poke the Bear," the latter triumphing in the $35,000 feature race.
"Jimmy Dan" delivered a victory for Riverdee Stables and Ten Strike Racing in the maiden claimer, trained by Jack Fisher.
Sean McDermott showcased his versatility as both trainer and jockey by capturing his second win of the season with "Icandothat."
The day's races wrapped up with "Recent Revelations," owned by Del Rio Racing LLC and trained by Ricky Hendriks, winning the training flat race.
Saturday’s Results at My Lady’s Manor and Tryon Block House Races
GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE
The anticipation is building! We're just one week away from this year's Grand National Steeplechase Races!
Photo - Chris Legg
There's still time to purchase your tickets. Visit https://grandnationalsteeplechase.com/tickets/ and make plans to join us on Saturday, April 20 for a celebration of amateur equine sport, rural land preservation efforts, and Baltimore springtime tradition.
MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES
Join us for Virginia’s oldest steeplechase.
Photo credit: Middleburg Photo
Join us for Virginia’s oldest steeplechase. An elegant Spring tradition, steeped in history, with beautiful horses and fun for all.
Visit on MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES on Facebook
THROWBACK:
The Mean Queen Triumphs Over Snap Decision in the 2021 Lonesome Glory Showdown at Belmont Park
Buttonwood Farm’s The Mean Queen bested the boys for a second consecutive Grade 1 start, ending Snap Decision’s nine-race winning streak in a gritty stretch duel in Thursday’s $150,000 Lonesome Glory, a 2 1/2-mile steeplechase event for older horses on Opening Day of the Belmont Park fall meet.
Trained by Keri Brion, the 5-year-old Doyen mare entered from a 4 3/4-length victory in the Grade 1, $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard on August 18 at Saratoga Race Course.
With Richard Condon up, The Mean Queen, the 7-5 second choice, tracked in third position as Bodes Well led the seven-horse field through the first circuit of the Belmont turf course with Amschel in second and 4-5 favorite Snap Decision, under Graham Watters, settled near the back of the pack in fifth.
Bodes Well attempted to sprint away from the field in the final run down the backstretch as Snap Decision advanced into third position beside The Mean Queen. The two rivals found their best run midway around the final turn easily overtaking Bodes Well to set up a memorable stretch duel.
Snap Decision, carrying a field-high 164 pounds, loomed large with his outside position turning for home but The Mean Queen, assigned 157 pounds, continued to find more, powering through the wire a two-length winner in a final time of 4:37.83.
“I thought the race would pretty much go exactly like that, but I didn’t know if that would be the outcome,” Brion said. “She’s so tough and I said to Richie, ‘If you can just get her a neck in front of him, that’s our best chance because she’ll never let him pass.’ That’s how she works in the morning. Everything she works with, even if they’re going slow, she’s just like, ‘No. You’re not getting past me.’
“Snap came up to her and she kept that neck around the bend,” added Brion. “I knew at the eighth-pole she wasn’t going to let him get past. She’s just something else.”
Read the Full Article
The Tradition Continues, Willowdale Steeplechase May 11th
The Willowdale Steeplechase, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Chester County in Kennett Square, PA, boasts a rich history steeped in equestrian tradition. Dating back to its inaugural run in 1993, the event has grown to become a cherished annual spectacle, drawing riders, enthusiasts, and families alike. Originally conceived as a fundraiser for the land preservation efforts of the Trust, it has since evolved into a premier steeplechase event, renowned for its thrilling races, festive atmosphere, and signature water jump. Over the years, Willowdale has remained a steadfast celebration of horsemanship and community spirit, weaving itself into the cultural fabric of Chester County with each passing year. Join us for race day, Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday May 11, 2024. Tickets: willowdale.org
Iroquois Steeplechase
Jessica McCabe kisses West Newton in paddock - Tod Marks
Iroquois Steeplechase Introduces Grooms Bonuses
Committed to ensuring all involved within the horse racing industry are recognized for their steadfast work, the Iroquois Steeplechase is thrilled to announce the introduction of the Groom’s Bonuses for the first-place winner of every race. A $1,000 bonus will be awarded for the Iroquois Steeplechase and a $500 bonus for all other races at the race meet.
In the equine industry, Grooms are the foundation of support and training, ensuring the well-being and care of our racehorses. These individuals possess unwavering dedication and trustworthiness and receive deep respect from peers, trainers, owners, and especially the horses they tend to, making them a crucial part of the horse racing process.
When speaking with Don and Sara Jo Gill, the sponsors of this new bonus, they informed us why the Grooms are so important to them. “It’s our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the hard work and passion that Grooms bring to our beloved sport,” said Don Gill. “Without them, we would be at a significant disadvantage and would not be able to properly care for the horses.”
Sara Jo Gill is the daughter of the late Steeplechase owner Calvin Houghland and has been emersed in horse racing since a very young age. She has served as the honorary co-chair in the 2010 and 2019 Steeplechase events and was the first female Steeplechase Trustee.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase has branded itself as one of the greatest horse racing events in the equine industry, and we are honored to be a part of something so special,” said Sara Jo Gill. “We are thankful for everyone who contributes to this wonderful race and are very optimistic and delighted for this year’s Steeplechase.”
The 2024 Iroquois Steeplechase will run on May 11th, 2024, at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Steeplechase is run by the 501c3 organization, the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation (VSHF). Through the VSHF, the Steeplechase gives back to many charitable organizations throughout the community, with its biggest beneficiaries being the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Friends of Warner Parks, and The Foundation for the Horse. The Steeplechase attracts around 25,000 racegoers annually and is a top destination for the best horses and riders in the world.
Click Here For More Information on Iroquois Steeplechase
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