In & Around Horse Country Fall 2020

VOLUME XXXII / NUMBER 2 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • FALL 2020

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

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HOUND & PUPPY SHOWS Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Hound Show Tryon, North Carolina June 20, 2020 Photos Courtesy of Jake Carle

Foxhound judges at work (l-r) Jake Carle, Jennifer Buckley, John Tabachka.

Best Entered Dog Moore County “Angus” with Huntsman Lincoln Sadler.

Foxhound judges Jake Carle and John Tabachka at work.

Judge Jennifer Buckley with the beagle exhibitors.

Grand Champion Foxhound Moore County “Zulu” with Madison Elliot.

Champion Beagle Sugarsand Foot Beagles’ Bedlam “Maestro.”

Old Dominion Hounds hosted a Puppy and Hound Show at their kennels on July 11, 2020. A happy group of handlers posed with Huntsman Steve Farrin. Joanne Maisano photo

Foxhound Judge John Tabachka winning the horn blowing.

Blue Ridge Hunt’s Pincher and other puppies get a good upbringing from helpful members and friends, such as Denya Dee Leake at her First Flight Equestrian farm.

Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Staff Changes Spencer Allen moves from Live Oak Hounds (FL) to Long Run Woodford Hounds (KY). Sam Andrews steps up from Kennel Huntsman at Live Oak Hounds to Huntsman. Chad Wilkes takes up the horn at Aiken Hounds (SC). Jeff Woodall moves from his role as whipper-in for Keswick Hunt Club (VA) to huntsman at Rappahannock Hunt (VA) as Michael Brown relinquishes that role to concentrate on his duties as joint-master.

Jeff Woodall, Huntsman, Rappahannock Hunt.

Giacomo Wilson photo

Sam Andrews moves up from his Kennel Huntsman position to now carry the horn as Huntsman for Live Oak Hounds (FL).

Tiffany Evitts/Grab Mane Photography

Spencer Allen, Huntsman, Long Run Woodford Hounds. Mark Atwater photo

••••• Happy 90th Birthday Jim Meads

Chad Wilkes dons his new green hunt coat in his role as Huntsman for Aiken Hounds.

•••••

Jim Meads, the “Running Hunting Photographer,” just celebrated his 90th birthday. He’s been out with 501 different packs, a world record! Jim’s hunting action and hound show shots graced the pages of this publication for many years and Horse Country was honored to have played a role in the publication of books featuring his amazing photos. Wishing you all the best, Jim!

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Blue Ridge Huntsman Graham Buston preparing to lead a spring trail ride from The Duck Pond, May 24, 2020. Liz Callar photo

In an 8 Goal polo match at Beverly Equestrian, August 14, 2020, Beverly’s Will Ballhaus squared off against George Krabbe of Morgan-Stanley.

Joanne Maisano photo

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Mark Atwater Denny Bomar Sammy Buczkowski Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com John J. Carle II, ex-MFH Coady Photography Tiffany Evitts/Grab Mane Photography Karen Kandra Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Giacomo Wilson ON THE COVER: Virginia Gold Cup, Waiver Maiden Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Cheetah Beach (Ross Geraghty, up); Elmutahid (Bernard Dalton) – 1st; Good and Proper (Archie MacAuley, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees Photo

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Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Debbie Cutler (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hcdebbiebtc@aol.com Contributors: J. Harris Anderson; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Virginia Hunter Chandler; Sandy Dixon; Will O’Keefe; Virginia Equine Alliance; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2020 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXXII, No. 2 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Regular subscription 5 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

Much of what young men do is directed toward one aim: to impress the girls.

In the late 1960s that objective inspired Larry Levy to learn to ride in an English saddle so he could go foxhunting with a young woman he was courting. Regardless of how that relationship ended up, one result remained a constant over Larry Levy. the ensuing five decades and continues so today: Foxhunting became a defining element of Larry’s life.

He was fortunate to enter this world at a time when foxhunting was still an essential element of country life and at a place where it could be practiced without restraint. While the location of his arrival— Culpeper, Virginia—was felicitous, the specific hour was not. A blizzard gripped the area, so severe that even the trains could not run. As his mother was unable to get to the hospital, family doctor O.K. Burnett walked through the storm to attend the delivery at the Levy home.

Over the ensuing 70-plus years, Larry has occasionally traveled outside his beloved Central Virginia environs. A few trips have been made to other parts of the country; hunting with Lynn Lloyd in Nevada, down to Low Country in South Carolina, visiting Ben Hardaway at Midland as a few examples. And, of course, there have been trips to the Holy Land (that would be Ireland) in the company of such names as Mikel Power, Tony Gammell, Noel Twyman, and others. He also holds a special memory of hunting with Piedmont Fox Hounds in the company of Mrs. Onassis when Randy Waterman was huntsman and master. But the great bulk of his time has been spent in a variety of sporting and business activities in Culpeper and some neighboring counties such as Fauquier, Rappahannock, Madison, et al.

Having quickly adapted to the English saddle, at least well enough to ride with that certain young lady, Larry began hunting with Casanova when Sam Richards was master. That was the start of a sporting CV that would eventually encompass a who’s-who list of clubs and luminary figures that represent the heydays of foxhunting in and around Larry’s home base from the late ’60s right up to today.

From his start at Casanova, Larry moved to Rappahannock Hunt where he began his service as a whipper-in. He worked with Jimmy and Billy Dodson to open new country, including Chancellor’s Gate which had not been hunted before but became a favorite as it wasn’t as steep as other parts of the territory. He recalls this as a particularly memorable time, when Jimmy Dodson was huntsman, especially on Sundays when the hunt always met at Jim Bill and Millie Fletcher’s Thornton Hill Farm. The hunters would move off at ten o’clock, hunt for a few hours, then return to the Fletchers’ where Jim Bill had some special she-crab soup waiting for them. After a hearty lunch, everyone would duck into the sauna, then take a dip in the pool. For most folks, that would have been a full day’s sport and partying—but not for this group. They would then mount up again and go back out hunting till black dark.

Sadly, all good things come to end and as the turmoil that eventually led to a split there began to brew, Larry sought a more peaceful environment at Warrenton Hunt. Jim Atkins was providing great

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PERSONALITIES

A View From the Hill Larry Levy: Sportsman of the Old School

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor • Photos by Liz Callar

In the fifth race of the day, at the Rappahannock Hunt Races hosted at The Hill, the Horse Country Saddlery Maiden Flat Race, Stooshie (#6, Archie MacAuley, up) was best in a field of nine competitors.

sport and Sally Tufts, in Larry’s estimation the equal of Jim Bill Fletcher as one of the two best masters he ever rode behind, held sway. For ten years he helped out as a whip and was instrumental in opening new territory. He lived at Arlington Farm during part of that time as the Warrenton country grew to include such fixtures as Threlkeld and Brandy Rock, plus his own Arlington acreage, and extended as far as Remington. Not only did Jim Atkins provide excellent sport, Larry was also impressed by Jim’s gentle but serious nature. The culture at Rappahannock had been more on the rough and tumble side back then.

When Larry exhibited a bit of that in the Warrenton field, Jim, who was not one to upbraid his staff during a hunt, said nothing at the time but took him aside afterward and firmly reprimanded him. It was a wellremembered lesson in the managerial adage espoused by Vince Lombardi: “Praise in public, criticize in private.”

Then there were the fun days when Bull Run Hunt, squeezed by the rampant development in Prince William County, opted to pack up and move south to Culpeper in what was then raw and unpaneled country. With Tony Leahy serving as huntsman, there were days when Tony, Larry, and Larry’s daughter Liza, then a pre-teen on a small pony, hunted hounds together, bushwhacking through thick, briary growth and jumping wire fences. On non-hunting days Larry helped Tony build the Bull Run kennels—he recalls using the Inskeeps’ backhoe

to dig the footings Larry was at first inclined to resist Sally Lamb’s siren song inviting him to hunt with Keswick. Albemarle seemed like a long way to go compared to all the hunting opportunities so close to his Culpeper home base. But he ultimately accepted and was glad he did, given the quality of sport he enjoyed hunting with Tony Gammell. And, of course, he didn’t just hunt. There was more territory to open, this time in areas such as Rapidan and Somerset.

Throughout all those years of active hunting and volunteer service to every club he rode with, two other aspects of Larry’s life continued unabated: a busy and multi-faceted working career and a desire held since youth to acquire a certain property.

We'll start with the working career.

His first venture into the world of business was selling and building pre-fab steel buildings. That was going well, then the “Greetings” letter arrived from his local draft board, and the young Mr. Levy obediently reported for duty in the US Army. What would have been a four-year hitch was shortened to three years when Larry’s father fell ill and Larry was needed at home. His father owned a jewelry store in Culpeper and Larry took on the management role in his father’s stead. But after a youth spent rambling through open spaces, he could not tolerate the confinement of hours spent inside a small shop. And then an unexpected offer came along.

Continued

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

The local racing community responded eagerly to the reinstatement of an early meet on the card. It proved to be well worth the effort as one week later, following the running of the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, the spring racing schedule fell victim to the Covid-19 shutdown.

Helen Jeffries, then the Commonwealth Attorney in Culpeper, approached him and said the elderly gentleman serving as bail bondsman could no longer handle the job and a replacement was needed. No one, she said, knew the local community better than Larry nor was known as widely and trusted as much as he was. It wasn’t a role he’d seen for himself, but he decided to accept and soon found himself in a thriving business. For the first few years he was the only bail bondsman serving a wide territory that extended well beyond his Culpeper base.

As the area’s population grew, so did the need for his services.

While Larry’s working career has taken a few unexpected twists, his dream to own a cherished property never waivered. When Larry was a child, a fellow named John Hill used to bring kids out to ride with the Hazelmere Hounds from a property owned by Oliver Durante. This hunt was so junior-friendly that they elected the youngest master in history when Mike Marsh, of the family that owned Longwood, became an MFH at the age of 14. The Durante property captivated the young Larry Levy such that it became his lifelong goal to make it his own. A slew of other properties were acquired along the way. During one stretch, eleven farms were bought and sold in seven years. And Larry lived at each one during that hectic span of time. But his efforts eventually paid off when he took title to what is now his treasured home: The Hill.

Among the hundreds of photos on display throughout the main house, chronicling his decades of hunting and racing, Larry is especially fond of a shot of Mike Marsh. Taken on the day he was appointed MFH, young Mike strikes a proud pose with an elbow resting on a fireplace mantel. The photo now sits on that same mantel.

Larry has continued to make the 800-plus acre property and adjoining lands available for foxhunting. The acreage is fully covered under a conservation easement and Larry convinced two other property owners to do the same.

In the early days of his reign as King of The Hill, he invited Mike Turner to bring the Snickersville Hounds down for some sport. He recalls taking hounds under the Devils Run bridge on Rt. 522 and hunting north along the Hazel River through the Ireland and Longley farms, then turning around and hunting back, returning home under the bridge.

Another recollection goes back to a time when Mike was injured and unable to hunt his hounds, so Albert Poe filled in that year with Larry serving as a whip.

Having hunted with several legendary huntsmen and masters, he’s seen some elements of the sport change in recent years. Encroaching development has, of course, affected the territory of several hunts and is likely to continue doing so.

An 1100-acre property behind The Hill that once offered unlimited hunting was sold and the development plans meant it was lost to mounted sport. The old days of taking hounds under the Devils Run bridge and hunting on the east side of Rt. 522 are gone. But there are other adjoining properties still open to hounds, enough to make The Hill a favorite fixture for many avid hunters.

Another change Larry has witnessed is in the profile of hunt masters.

Throughout his earlier hunting years masters were typically devoted, often multigenerational, sportsmen who owned substantial amounts of land open for hunting. He sees far fewer of those types these days and instead notes an increasing number of masters whose land holdings are extensive but who have come to the sport more recently.

Similar changes have occurred in the area of Larry’s other sporting pursuit— racing. As a young man he rode hurdle races with Elzy Brown, noted horseman, serving as his trainer and coach. To assuage Larry’s nerves before a race, Elzy would slip him two pony-sized (7 ounce) bottles of Miller beer. While that may have helped him relax enough to handle the challenge of riding at speed over hurdles, it may also have contributed to what eventually led Larry to transition

from rider to owner/trainer—his increasing difficulty to make weight. The brewskis probably weren’t much of a factor in reality, but when the rules committee lowered the weight cut-off by ten pounds, that was it.

When Larry was racing there were nine local hunts holding races and the competition was mostly friendly and low key. Over the years he’s witnessed some significant changes. Several hunts no longer hold races and while the number of meets has declined, the amount of money involved has increased. It was once common for the same horses to be hunted in the fall and winter and then raced in the spring. (And some were also shown in the summer, although showing was not on Larry’s agenda.) That’s not done these days as an increasing number of high priced horses, some of them imported, are used exclusively for racing. (A few may transition to hunters or find other second careers, but it’s the rare animal that balances multiple duties simultaneously.)

Pari-mutuel gambling has also had an influence on the atmosphere around the racing events. While the additional funds collected may be of benefit to the sport, Larry bemoans the need for increased security in the barn areas, a presence he feels negates the congeniality once common among the participants.

But rather than giving up on the sport, Larry has opted to do what he can to promote it and, hopefully, restore some semblance of the old days when a race meet was more of a community event. He was also influenced by one other factor: Global warming.

Yes, rising temperatures helped raise his interest for hosting a point-to-point meet at The Hill, despite the challenges of such an undertaking.

He recalled that when there were several spring meets held, the first one on the card was Casanova and the second was Rappahannock. “Spring” here is a deceptive word. The schedule began in late February so that the nine local hunt meets could run through March and April and be finished before the Virginia Gold Cup ran the first Saturday in May (same day as the Kentucky Derby). Unfortunately, the weather tended to reject the “spring” label and insisted that it was still, technically, winter. Thus the early meets were often either run under very difficult conditions (for both participants and specta- The hedge jump at The Hill gives foxhunters a brief taste tors) or simply canceled. of what it’s like to ride over hurdles on a steeplechase course. Larry’s salt sack jacket is a well-recognized The weather created a feature of his cubbing kit. further frustration for Larry and others who worked hard to prepare a course for a day of racing. Back then the hurdle races were still run over natural brush rather than the artificial “national fences” now commonly used. That meant a substantial quantity of cedar had to be cut for the jumps. But then, once it was all in place, a snow storm would hit, the races would be called off, and by the time the weather cleared and warmed up, the cedar would have died and was no longer usable.

So these two clubs eventually bowed to the fickleness of Mother Nature and gave up trying to run race meets so early in the season.

And then Larry Levy began to notice something. Event-canceling snowstorms were occurring with less frequency, some years not happening at all. Why not take advantage of the trend? So on March 7th of this year, the Rappahannock Hunt Races were resurrected at their new home, The Hill.

(l-r) Dr. Reynolds Cowles, president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners; Dr. William McCormick, DVM, whose services include rating racecourse ground conditions; and Oliver Brown, joint master of Rappahannock Hunt whose members worked with Larry Levy to make the rebirth of the hunt’s races a reality.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

Preparing a point-to-point course takes a great deal of work, even where meets have been held consistently over many years.

But creating a new course from scratch is much more difficult. While he doesn’t regret taking on the challenge, he does confess there were mornings when he awoke to face another day of racecourse prep and was tempted to smack himself for assuming such a daunting task. But under Larry’s direction and with the help of a dedicated team of hunt members, it was all pulled together in admirable form.

Although early March weather in Central Virginia can still turn ugly, Larry put in a special request for sunshine and 50 degrees on that particular Saturday. His wish was granted on both counts. Unfortunately, he forgot to include a supplication to Aeolus, the god of wind. But the blustery conditions did not deter a substantial crowd of spectators; the racing action It takes a lot of hard work to create a provided ample, if breezy, entertainment, point-to-point course from scratch. But and everyone is looking forward to next the effort paid off when race day arrived on March 7, and the course is now year’s meet, expecting even more horses ready and waiting for next year’s meet. entered to run (and hopefully less wind).

While the racecourse may be a new addition to The Hill, the variety of “interesting” jumps Larry has built around the property are well known and offer a special attraction to those who follow hounds there. These are not necessarily bigger or more challenging than most conventional coops, rails, or log jumps.

But the appearance can offer a different look to riders and horses, a nod to earlier times when hunters jumped whatever necessary to stay with hounds and horses were expected to go forward no matter what.

As does the indefatigable Mister Levy, who shows no signs of slowing down or stopping at an obstacle. He still rides most every day, taking a seasoned hunter over some of his custom-made jumps. A young exercise rider accompanies him, working with a promising four-year-old that Larry envisions as a timber horse,

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and he has two five-year-olds coming along as his personal hunters.

As a new hunt season begins, Larry looks forward to many more days afield with hounds, hosting Rappahannock Hunt race meets, running his own horses under the Levy colors, and bringing along more young horses to keep him well mounted for sporting fun. The view from The Hill looks bright indeed.

Despite a busy schedule working horses, for both hunting and racing, and keeping up with the demands of an extensive property, Larry still finds time to indulge his passion for reading. (His library includes the works of one of Horse Country’s favorite authors.)

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

HOUND SHOWS

A Lifetime of Judging, Part Two

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH [Editor’s Note: Part One of Jake’s reminiscences about his extensive hound show judging experiences ran in our Winter 2020 issue. We pick up Part Two here, Part Three will appear in our next issue.]

William W. Brainard, universally acknowledged as the best foxhound judge in the world.

New England Hound Show Judging with Tony Leahy, MFH, Fox River Valley.

New England Hound Show Jake Carle, ex-MFH, Keswick Hunt; Mitchell Jacobs, MFH, West Hills Hunt.

Martin Scott, ex-MFH, V.W.H., judging English Hounds 2003, Morven Park, with Terrell Payne, MFH, Santa Fe Hounds.

Thanks to my mentor, I man Haight. Not only was wasn’t banned from Bryn judging with Major Mawr after all and, in Kindersley educational, 1974, I was honored to be sharing the ring with this asked to judge Crossbreds gracious and delightful with one of England’s character was joy itself. premier Huntsmen and We had a full complement breeders of hounds, Marof quality hounds from tin Scott, MFH, the Vale which to choose and an of the White Horse appreciative and knowl(VWH). His hounds were edgeable crowd of spectamaking their reputation in tors. The Major’s remarks those days, both afield to the crowd after each and on the flags, and Marjudging were concise and Oatlands 1990 2nd Ronnie Wallace Day L-R, Ronnie Wallace, Jake Carle, Coleman Perrin, Giny Hunter, Marty Wood, tin was much in demand informative and delivered Alastair Jackson, Sherman Haight. as a judge. He still orcheswith the easy charm and trates the VWH breeding program, and their blood is consid- ready wit of a seasoned after-dinner speaker. We had pretty ered by many the best in the land. Martin was (still is) tall, easy sailing in the doghounds, with a couple of youngsters sepstrikingly handsome, and he immediately had the undivided arating themselves almost immediately. The bitches, for they attention of every female at ringside. He was extremely affable were legion, proved a tougher task. The last bitch into the ring and easy to judge with, especially when we realized early on refused to show, despite her handler’s best efforts: she just that we were both looking for the same points in a hound; and cowered in a corner, then rolled over and peed herself. Finally the period of unease when first stepping in the ring with a the handler’s patience shredded, but as he was poised to snatch stranger evaporated immediately. We had a delightful, laugh- her angrily out of the gate, Major Kindersley quietly said, filled experience, and at day’s end we were unanimous in our “Take the lead off and leave her in the shade. She’ll be all choice of champions. right.” And so we went on about judging the class. We’d just Two years later I was again in the Bryn Mawr Crossbred gotten them lined up for a last look when a tri-colored tornado ring, this time with Sherman Haight, MFH, who had for many blew by: the timid bitch had decided showing looked like fun, years hunted with distinction his own Litchfield County and joined in. “Look at that!” Charles exclaimed. “By Jove, I Hounds. Sherman, who was later to become the much-lauded believe that’s our winner!” And so she was. Once she found President of the MFHA, was largely responsible for the fox- her confidence, she had a sublime presence on the flags. She hound conformation standard adopted by the MFHA in the was an awesome mover, gifted with balletic grace, and she 1950s. Impeccable credentials, for sure; and quite the honor made light work of the competition. Only Major Kindersley and learning experience for a young judge to share the same could sense in her the extraordinary potential. With such inring. We looked at a lot of nice hounds that year, which made sight, it’s no wonder he was recognized as so gifted a Huntsjudging all the man. At show’s end, he cautioned me to be patient judging, more pleasant, especially at puppy shows. “Always give the shy ones a and in the end chance,” he said. “They’ll very often surprise you.” And that we pinned as advice has proved its worth repeatedly.

Champion the Mr. Bill Brainard had long unentered dog, been of the opinion (and rightly Amwell Valley so) that there should be one stan“Goodness” ’76. dard for all breeds of foxhounds, White as snow one based on skeletal perfection, and blessed with with the proper accompaniment of a presence far musculature to enable a hound to beyond his most efficiently accomplish the years, he baljob for which it was bred. This was anced on perfect to be a physical standard, with no feet, had a lovely Jake Carle judging New England Hound Show, early regard to cosmetics, such as shoulder, and ‘70s. At right Kerry Glass, MFH, Norfolk Hunt with length of ear (which confused a hound-race winner. moved with a lot of people at the time…and still long, graceful and effortless stride. Five years later, Sherman does!). He organized a committee and I again shared the same ring. That year, the quality in our consisting of himself, Ben Hardring was mediocre at best, especially among the doghounds; away, and Sherman Haight; and he and we’d begun to despair of finding a deserving champion. kindly made me a member as well.

Then into the Stallion Hound class marched Amwell Valley The standard we formulated was Jake Carle judging with Major “Goodness” ’76, still youthful and elegant and as sound of foot quickly adopted by the MFHA and Kindersley at Adjacent Hunts’ Puppy Show, early ‘70s. and fluid of movement as ever: a testament to the longevity of is still in use. With the idea of a good conformation. “Finally,” Sherman said with relief, “a dog single standard in mind, Mr. Brainard unveiled a unique idea: we can use!” Truly the vintage in this year of vin ordinaire, to have an English judge preside in the American ring.

“Goodness” once again stood Crossbred Champion. At ring- “Heresy!” cried some; but Bill got his way. As Chairman of side, Master/Huntsman Bill Reed was all grins as he fouled the the Virginia Foxhound Club Hound Show, he invited Captain air with the fumes of his ever-present cigar.

Ronnie Wallace, MFH, of Heythrop and Exmoor fame and One of the best learning experiences I ever had was judg- Britain’s premier judge, to come to “Oatlands” near Leesburg, ing the Adjacent Hunts’ Puppy Show with Major Charles Virginia, and judge the American hounds. He also asked me to Kindersley, MFH, the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt. The show be the Captain’s co-judge, but with the caveat, “Don’t let him was held at the Litchfield kennels, hosted by Peggy and Sher- bully you.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

When the eagerly anticipated day arrived, it nearly resulted in a disaster—for me. The night before I was felled by the flu, and on show day I had a raging fever, chills and tummy-turmoil. Although I left Keswick early, three roadside stops to be violently sick made me late. Captain Wallace, so revered in England that professionals referred to him as “God,” was not pleased. The first class, “Unentered Dogs from a Pack Reporting Less than Twenty Couple of Entered Hounds,” had been sorted and four hounds posed on the boards. “I’ve chosen them,” the “Reverend One” announced. “You may have a look if you like!” I liked. The first three were as I’d have chosen, but the fourth had not a foot to stand on. When I pointed this out, the Captain replied, “Doesn’t matter; but pick one you like…and be quick about it. I haven’t all day!” Wrong answer! Feeling as I did, and not in a condescending humor, my reply was not terribly polite: “Captain, I have plenty of time; in fact, I have all day.” I then chose another hound from among his rejects, one with solid feet. I must have made my point, for the air cleared immediately. The doghounds went well, with us mostly in agreement – and any disagreements I was allowed to win. However, on several occasions I nearly passed out, had bouts of double vision, and often had to hold a ring post to stay upright, so lunch break was very welcome! My lunch consisted of a handful of aspirin and two large bottles of quinine, which did, indeed, help; and I was ready to go with the bitches. However, I might as well have sat on the “Oatlands” front porch and enjoyed a gin and tonic for all the input I had in the afternoon: the bitches were the Ronnie Wallace bailiwick! Luckily we were mostly in agreement, and some awfully nice ladies stood atop the leader-board; and I think the competitors were generally pleased. One issue I found rather unusual and disturbing was that Captain Wallace “judged by the catalogue”—to which he constantly referred—and blatantly favored the best-known packs. Fortunately, that year they had the best hounds anyway. Despite our differences and my health issues, I quite enjoyed the experience and, I think, learned from it.

Some years later we were to repeat the experiment.

One year later, at the insistence of Mrs. John Burgess Glass, ex-MFH, the Norfolk Hunt, I was asked to join Albert Poe, former Piedmont Huntsman and the dean of American Foxhound breeders of the second half of the twentieth century, in judging the New England Puppy Show. The show was held at the Winnimussett Hounds’ kennels, and hosted by joint Masters Jim and Jacquie McCarthy at their exquisite dairy farm. Held in early April, we expected chilly

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weather, but not the two feet of snow that greeted us! The ring was plowed but surrounded by snowbanks, which made for a unique setting.

Poorly shod, I borrowed galoshes, but my feet still froze, standing often in ankle-deep slush; but to judge with Albert was well worth any minor discomfort.

His razor-sharp eye and concise explanations concerning his choices made the day an educational seminar for Keswick Hunt Puppy Show Judges Albert Poe, Jennifer Buckley, everyone conJake Carle. cerned.

My Keswick pack was (and is yet) made up largely of what Kerry Glass, also an Albert aficionado, calls “Piedmont Poes,” which made the experience all the more rewarding. When Kerry hunted the Norfolk, her pack was predominantly of Poe breeding and, arguably, the best drag pack anywhere…ever. The Winnimussett hounds, whose breeding Kerry had helped orchestrate, and whose bloodlines both Albert and I knew well, were predominant on the podium all day. Over the years, I often turned to Albert for advice and, two decades later, sorted with him the Keswick young entry, shown to best advantage by then Huntsman Tony Gammell.

Several years later, Bill Brainard decided to pay homage to heresy, and Captain Wallace was invited back to Oatlands to judge the Americans; and he specifically asked that I be his co-judge. It proved to be a wonderful day: we agreed down the line, both doghounds and bitches; and the Captain only used his catalogue to fan himself in the Virginia swelter. Ronnie Wallace was totally relaxed and happy, his sense of humor in overdrive. In the Brood-bitch class I noted that an old favorite, now in her dotage, had become “a bit bosomy,” quoting a Brainardism. Replied R.W.: “Bosoms are fine on tarts and turkeys, but not on foxhounds.” It was the first time I’d heard his now-famous aphorism, and I nearly fell out of the ring! What a boon companion and a joy as a co-judge! Following judging, I introduced him to my wife Pat and our three-year-old daughter, Sarah Frances. Usually standoffish with strangers, Sarah Frances stepped right up and shook his hand; whereupon the Captain swept her up in his arms and spent the next half-hour parading ’round the various rings, introducing her to everyone he knew. That evening, I don’t think Miss Sarah wanted to go home with us!

I met Ian Farquhar many years ago at Bryn Mawr, where he presided over the English ring and I sorted the Americans. The Radnor Hunt’s Joint Master, George Hundt, Sr., was Show Chairman at the time, and Ian and I were both staying at his lovely farm. At a delightful after-show cocktail party, Ian and I sat on the stone wall at patio’s edge discussing the hounds we’d seen, judging the conformation of the ladies present, and toasting our choices. At about our tenth toast, like synchronized divers at the Olympics, we did a backward number into the flowerbeds below. Emerging, we bowed to a wild chorus of cheers. Unfortunately, our hostess was less than impressed and immediately shut down the party…and locked up the liquor.

Ian and I finally got to judge together at the Southern Hound Show in 2015, and what a memorable experience it was. It was immediately obvious why Ian has for so long been one of England’s most sought-after judges. His eye is eaglesharp, his decisions quick, decisive and indisputable; and his wicked sense of humor makes sharing the ring rollicking good fun. We agreed on almost every hound we looked at on that magical day. Along the way, we awarded the spectacular young doghound, Midland “Striker,” with the first of his many championships. At day’s end, we were both enchanted by the lovely bitch Live Oak “Fanfare,” whom we stood Grand Champion. I do hope that, before creeping senescence throttles us both, we’ll again share a ring.

To be continued

8

REMEMBRANCE

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

Thousand Dollar Piss Posts

By Sandy Dixon Master and Huntsman, Brazos Valley Hounds

The last thing he said to me, “Don’t change anything you are Hillary and to hunt with the Poe brothers. When we landed, the doing, and always remember I love you.” With tears rolling down snow was coming down hard; it took us over three hours to my face then and now, I responded, “I love you too, Albert.” drive a PT Cruiser (an upgrade) from Dulles to Rixeyville. FiMy first contact with Albert Poe was in 1984 when he was nally arriving, we found Albert had cooked a beautiful roast huntsman for the Middleburg Hunt. I sheepishly called him to with potatoes and carrots and gravy, and of course he served ask if he would be willing to come judge the Southwest Hound hot bourbon. It all tasted so good, particularly the hot bourbon.

Show. Fully expecting him to say no, I was pleased to hear, in The next morning, when we were to hunt, there was a foot of his beautiful Virginia drawl, “Yes, ma’am, I would be happy to.” snow, so needless to say, there was no way to ride out; so we I explained that we would make arrangements for him to fly into spent the day listening to his stories and exchanging differences Dallas on the Thursday prior to the show. I asked him if he would between Virginia and Texas. be okay staying with my husband and me and again, “Yes, The next day the roads were somewhat clear, so after ma’am, that would be fine.” breakfast we drove to Melvin and Peggy’s home in Hume to Bobby and I picked him up from the airport and instantly I see Hillary and the stallion hound. Melvin met us at the kennel knew we would be friends for a very long time. We stayed up with his spikes attached to his boots, because it was solid ice. half the night listening to his hunting stories.

My beautiful Hillary had been bred to a large, big-boned dog After judging the hound show, he invited us to come hunt with gentle eyes. I liked him a lot; however, when I asked with him at Middleburg; we could stay with him and he would Melvin what his name was, he replied, “I don’t know, I just call provide us nice horses to ride. him ‘dog’.” I’m pretty sure Albert knew I wasn’t happy with That fall we flew to Dulles, where Albert picked us up and the answer, so he went over and got the tattoo number from his Albert O. Poe took us to the kennel to look at hounds, then to his home for dinear so we could track down his pedigree. After a ton of research 8/7/1931-5/18/2019 ner. The next morning we dressed to hunt on Middleburg’s and phone calls, it was determined that he was Piedmont Ibex Douglas Lees photo Opening Day. Albert brought out a very impressive (huge) bay 2000, a crossbred. horse for me to ride, telling me his name was “Mail Order Andy,” who had won It was freezing, and living in Texas had made me more warm-blooded. the Virginia Hunter Challenge that year. Bobby was mounted on a nice looking Melvin took us inside where Peggy had bay horse with a bit of an attitude, but Albert knew somehow that Bobby could made hot chocolate, coffee, and warm handle his silliness. cookies—served with bourbon, of course.

I was honored and thrilled to ride “in Albert’s pocket.” His communication General chatter back and forth brought out with his hounds was impressive as he cheered them on; we were flying across a question from Bobby: “What do you guys field after field. I was in seventh heaven. I noticed the field turn away, moving do about hound pee rusting out the chain toward a gate in the corner, but Albert kept galloping toward what appeared to link posts?” be a huge wall. I heard him yell for me to “Hold on. Andy will take you safely Melvin was quick to answer, “Don’t over.” Andy sailed over the wall around the Foxcroft School, landed softly on you have piss posts?” the other side, and turned to stay with Albert as he moved down the road to catch Surprisingly, Bobby was silent, like up with hounds. myself, because we had no idea what a Our friendship grew over the years. When I was asked to hunt the hounds “piss post” was and certainly didn’t want to for the Hickory Creek, I flew to Virginia, walking out with him, talking endlessly look stupid. I finally said, “We have posts about hounds. It was at this time that he encouraged me to choose a type of hound every eight feet in our kennel. If those are that pleased me and also fit my country. It made sense to me; however, I still ‘piss posts,’ they must not be working.” wasn’t sure exactly what he meant. Albert came and hunted with me several Melvin and Albert both laughed out times, enjoying a different type of territory from that of Virginia. One of my loud as they explained, “You need to put a Sandy Dixon had this chair personalproudest moments was to hunt with the Old Dominion with Albert on one side, pole, like a landscape post, in every kennel, ized for Albert Poe to use at races and hound shows. He sat in it under the his brother Melvin on the other; I felt very honored that they cared for me. put rock salt at the base, and the male Brazos Valley tent at the Virginia In 1994 the Brazos Valley Hounds were established, with myself hunting hounds will pee on the piss posts rather than Hound Show for ten years. Sandy took this photo at the 2019 VHS the the hounds, plus two other Masters who were very supportive. My first drafts the chain link poles.” day after Albert’s funeral. were a motley crew; however, Albert sent a sweet bitch, Rocket, who was pregFlying home, we decided that on this nant. He told me she was from his original American hounds, going back to the trip we had learned one thing that cost us a thousand dollars: piss posts.

Piedmont Hunt, when he was huntsman there. Rocket was to deliver the foundation of what is now the Brazos Valley “type” that I like and are suitable for my country.

Albert met us in Las Vegas to see the National Finals Rodeo. Seeing Albert walk into a Las Vegas casino was adorable. His eyes lit up as he looked in awe at all the clinking and clanking of the machines. He had been to Ireland and England to hunt, but had never been in Nevada. He nearly walked us to death up and down the Vegas strip because he wanted to see all of it.

It was shortly after our trip to Nevada that my phone rang at close to midnight. I snatched up the phone, fully expecting bad news. But what I heard was, “Sandy, this is Albert Poe. I need to borrow a bitch.” My response was OOO KAAY, what is this all about? He continued, “I hunted with Melvin today and saw the best cold-nose hound I have ever seen; he actually tracked a fox across the burn. If you send me a bitch, we can split the litter.”

So I made arrangements for Bobby and my bitch Hillary to fly to Virginia in the fall. I was so jealous, because while they were there, Bobby, Albert and Melvin worked Melvin’s calves, castrating the males and putting in ear tags.

Then, as Bobby’s reward, the three of them went hunting with Melvin’s pack the next day.

Sandy Dixon shows the championship form of Brazos Valley Mystic ’10 at the 2016 Southwest Hound Show. Sammy Buczkowski photo The following February, Bobby and I flew back to Virginia to check on

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

JENNY’S PICKS

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

9

objet d’amour has not one but two other women in love with him, which leads to the expected complications.

Horses wind in and out of the novel, with Molly, the female protagonist, going back to Maryland with one.

Paperback, 219pp. $9.99

We just got in replacements for the children’s books and coloring books that disappeared during the summer.

Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, I hope that means that COVID has Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art at least prompted an increase in 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 reading, not only in children but in 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 adults as well. And since libraries Berglie, Laurie. Kicking On. In this across the country have closed to one Molly’s friend Macy is the proprevent infection spread, books are bought the next with degrees of difficulty. It’s probably tagonist. She is called back to Maryland from from bookstores for a change! To start with, most useful for show jumpers, but even a show her equine practice in Kentucky by the sudden hunter rider could benefit from studying her here are two new (to us) children’s books. death of her mother in a car accident. Right off methods. Softcover, 158pp. $24.95 the bat her mother’s next-door neighbor, a Brett, Jan. Fritz and the Beautiful Horses. For horse breeder, calls on her asking if he can buy the beginning reader or to read to the youngest, Loch, Sylvia. The Rider’s Balance. Sylvia the farm, which doesn’t set well with Macy. this little tale has lovely illustrations by the au- Loch has written a number of good books on But he keeps showing up, and he’s not too bad thor. It’s about a medieval-looking city that is riding. If you don’t like instruction with lots of looking, and charming… Paperback, 227pp. very proud of its beautiful horses they have text, try this; it’s full of big, clear photographs $9.99 bred, and only beautiful horses are allowed in- and illustrations. Indeed, the subtitle is Underside its walls. But Fritz, a shaggy pony, isn’t standing the Weight Aids in Pictures. Many of Berglie, Laurie. Taking Off. Molly’s sister Erin one of them. How he envies the people and the photographs feature her beautiful grey takes the stage for this novel. The beginning their children as they pass outside the walls on Lusitano stallion. This looks like a book I finds Erin signing divorce papers that separate beautifully-caparisoned horses! One day he de- should read as I get ready to get back into rid- her from her husband forever because he wants cides to trot alongside them, and he notices the ing! Hardcover, 160pp. $34.95 a family and she, in her thirties, doesn’t. She children all seem unhappy and actually fright- We have several of her previous books still eventually takes a job at an eventing stable in ened of their big, bouncy mounts. Fritz would- available if you like this one: The Balanced Virginia, where she finds some eligible males n’t frighten the children. Is there anything he Horse ($39.95) and Dressage/the Art of Clas- to choose from. Paperback, unpaginated. can do to show them? Hardcover, unpaginated. sical Riding ($45.00). $10.99 $17.99 Emerson, Denny. How Good Riders Get Good I’ll top off with two potential gift books at opWoodward, John. Horses – The Ultimate (revised edition). If you’re thinking about posite ends of the price range.

Treasury. We’ve had many big, beautiful, hefty going into riding professionally, I recommend Baker, Candida. The Infinite Magic of Horses. volumes of horse breeds and horse informa- you read this. It’s full of good advice and may If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive tion, but this one is slanted toward younger folk well help you decide if you have what it takes gift for a horselover, Baker’s little book might and is not huge and heavy. Breeds are predom- to be a professional rider. He includes testi- be just the ticket. It’s a collection of short writinantly those that are popular or becoming pop- mony from a number of other successful riders ings about horses: memoirs, snippets of writing ular in the United States, but a few foreigners, in many different disciplines as to what they from the ancients (remember that verse from such as India’s Kathiawari, are thrown in and think made them as good as they are. It’s en- the Book of Job about the horse?), trainers’ provide an exotic flavor. (They could have in- joyable reading with many anecdotes of both writings, and more. Published in Australia, it cluded pronunciation for Przewalski’s horse, his own and other riders’ experiences. Many has one peculiarity to get used to: horse trailers though!) There are pages featuring history, color photographs. Paperback, 204pp. $24.95 there are called “floats.” There are a few b&w usage, and horse care scattered among the photos, but otherwise it’s all reading that can breeds. A great introduction for kids probably Emerson, Denny. Know Better to Do be picked up and put down when time to read third through sixth grades or poor readers Better/Mistakes I Made with Horses (So You is short. Paperback, 184pp. $16.95 Don’t Have To). Another good read by Denny, above that. Paperback, 160pp. $15.99 this time focusing more on riding and the Also, we restocked our supply of the Pony horse, but still with plenty of psychological ad- Clotten, Peter. The Equestrian World. In conScouts series and the “I Love –” series of col- vice as well. Here again is a multitude of ex- trast to Baker’s small book, Clotten’s, written in English, German and French, is at 13 x 11¼ oring books. periences, both his own and others’, that inches a hefty coffee-table size, meant to be For riders, we have ordered a few new books illustrate his advice and make the reading more placed somewhere and leafed through slowly. that look interesting as well as restocking some interesting. Mostly color photographs. Hard- Its sections include types of events and their lopopular older ones. As with nearly all our in- cover, 224pp. $24.95 cations, winning riders, “the wild west,” horse struction books, we order only one or two at a breeders and stables, classic equestrian time, so call quickly if you want one right away. Looking for light reading? We recently got sev- schools, photographers, and the commercial eral romance novels for mature readers. Not Hamilton, Jen Marsden. Stride Control. If terribly spicy, but there is the brief but appar- side of horse life: famous brands, exclusive shops, luxury hotels, and craftspersons. The there’s anything I puzzled about as a kid read- ently requisite bedroom scene or two. full-page color photographs are impressive, the ing riding books, it was the mystery of strides.

This book is full of diagrams and explanations, Berglie, Laurie. Where the Bluegrass Grows. text concise as would have to be to fit three lanand if I were young enough, I might even learn A novelist desiring a change of venue goes guages on each page. The brown suede-like from this how to figure out jumping! Be fore- from Maryland to Kentucky for a summer visit textured cover is almost pettable. It’s another warned, it’s for serious riders; the author indi- and winds up falling in love. Naturally her quality book produced by the teNues company.

Hardcover, 256pp. $95.00 cates possible routes to get from one jump to

10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

EVENTING Mars Great Meadow International The Plains, Virginia August 20 – August 23, 2020 Joanne Maisano Photos

Kelly Prather guided her Catch Me Cooley to a solid win in the CCI2*-S.

Sharon White, riding her Claus 63, finished first in all three categories (Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping) of the CCI3*-L division.

A solid first place in Cross-Country and a second in Dressage helped Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play (Donner Syndicate, LLC) overcome a few time faults in Show Jumping to take the blue ribbon in the CCI3*-S.

Liz HallidaySharp and Ocala Horse Properties Deniro Z topped the chart in the premier CCI4*-S division.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

RACING

11

Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, Quarles Petroleum Maiden Timber Highway Prince (Eddie Keating, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, Blue Ridge Trailer Sales Lady Rider Timber (l-r) Withoutmoreado (Skylar McKenna, up) - 1st; Sweet Talking Guy (Erin Swope, up) - 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, Xpress Copy & Graphics, Open Flat, 2nd Division (l-r) Good And Proper (Elizabeth Scully, up) - 2nd; Bodes Well (James Slater, up) - 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point 3/7/20 In 2008 the Rappahannock Hunt Races were celebrating their 58th Annual Point-to-Point at the Bleu Rock Inn near Washington, Virginia.

Twelve years later they hosted the 59th running.

It was a long time coming but it was worth the wait. Last year longtime hunt member Larry Levy approached Oliver Brown, MFH, offering land on his farm near Boston, Virginia, to build a race course. The site is an incredible viewing course in a natural bowl, but was very raw with an incredible amount of work needing to be done in a very short time. Larry Levy was up to the challenge and the inaugural point-to-point over The Hill Course took place on Saturday, March 7. It took an incredible amount of hard work but it paid off. A big crowd was on hand to enjoy five races over timber and on the flat.

The first race over the course was a maiden timber race, which attracted five starters. Armata Stables’ Highway Prince (Eddie Keating) was on the pace throughout the race and was narrowly best by a head over Rosbrian Farm’s Swansea Mile (Archie MacAuley), who came flying and just missed. Larry Levy’s Easy Exit (Emme Fullilove) finished third. Katherine Neilson saddled the winner.

Two lady riders went to the start in the lady rider timber race with Skylar McKenna on Irvin S. Naylor’s Withoutmoreado and Erin Swope on her Sweet Talking Guy. Withoutmoreado led the first two times around with Sweet Talking Guy in his shadow. Sweet Talking Guy took the lead the last time around but could not hold off Withoutmoreado, who regained the lead and won going away by 1½ lengths. Katherine Neilson was the winning trainer in the daily double and is Skylar McKenna’s mother.

Katherine Neilson went for her third win in the amateur and novice rider timber race with Irvin S. Naylor’s Hollywood Strike (Eddie Keating), but had to settle for second behind her sister, Sanna Neilson’s Lawn Ranger. Sanna was also the winning trainer and the mother of the victorious rider, Parker Hendriks. For Parker this was his first win in open company and he looked like a veteran. Hollywood Strike was always on the pace but could not hold off Lawn Ranger, who took the lead the last time around and won going away by 5 lengths. Katherine and Sanna Neilson brought a trailer full of horses from Unionville, Pennsylvania, and were rewarded for their efforts.

The open flat race was split with six starters in the first division and five in the second. In the first half Terry Whittier’s Georgie Hyphen (Willie McCarthy) led all of the way and was never seriously challenged. As the field turned for home Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Emerald Rocket made a late rally but was not a threat to the winner. Rosbrian Farm’s Veneer of Charm (Michael Mitchell) was third. David Bourke was the winning trainer.

Silverton Hill LLC’s Bodes Well (James

Slater) won the second division in front running style for trainer Leslie Young. He won by 3 lengths over Rosbrian Farm’s Good and Proper (Elizabeth Scully) with Rosbrian Farm’s Sixty Five (Archie MacAuley) finishing third.

Through the first four races, trainer Ricky Hendriks had saddled five horses with two seconds, two thirds and a fourth. He was looking for a winner from the three horses he saddled for the maiden flat race. They couldn’t keep him out of the winners’ circle all day, and Rosbrian Farm’s Stooshie (Archie MacAuley) broke the winless streak. Stooshie was always on the pace and held off ROTA Racing’s Star Glitter (Skylar McKenna) to win by 2 lengths. Another Hendriks’ runner, Armata Stables’ You’re No Better (Courtney Dankanich) finished third.

Congratulations to Larry Levy, Oliver Brown and the members of the Rappahannock Hunt. What a great success!

Continued

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, Cedar Mountain Stone Corporation Amateur & Novice Rider Timber Lawn Ranger (Parker Hendriks, up) - 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Horse Country Saddlery Maiden Flat Race Stooshie (Archie MacAuley, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

12 Warrenton Hunt Point-To-Point 3/13/20 The show went on at the Warrenton Hunt Point-toPoint on Saturday, March 13, in spite of the impending restrictions caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. The horsemen love the Airlie Course and 89 horses ran in 11 races.

The featured races on the card were the open timber and hurdle races. Kinross Farm’s Irish bred Just Wait and See with Chris Gracie up was the favorite in the open timber race, but he dwelt at the start spotting a significant amount of ground to the other three horses in the field. Gracie did not panic. He gradually cut into the lead and with one more time to go around the course he was in contention, took command and started to draw away. The winning margin was 8 lengths but easily could have been more. Keystone Thoroughbreds’ Sovereign Fund (Ed Glassonbury) was no match for the winner but was second best with Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Royal Ruse (Skylar McKenna) coming in third. Richard Valentine trained the winner.

Last year Team Ollie’s Orchestra Leader won a division of the open hurdle race, and he was back in the entries looking to repeat. This year he was rated near the front of the field by novice rider, Mell Boucher. The four-horse field was tightly bunched at the head of the stretch and Orchestra Leader prevailed by a head in a driving finish. This was Mell Boucher’s first win in open company. She is the daughter of veteran rider Richard Boucher and Lilith Boucher, who was the winning trainer. Keystone Thoroughbreds Noah And The Ark (Eddie Keating) just missed and was second, and Taking the Lead Stable’s Lead Investor (Gerard Galligan) was third.

The amateur/novice hurdle race followed, and this time it was novice rider Sophie Henelius’ turn to break her maiden. Sophie rides out for trainer Doug Fout and he gave her a leg up on Beverly R. Steinman’s Be Somebody. In the race Be Somebody was kept off the pace, took command in the final quarter mile and won handily by 3 lengths. Once again Eddie Keating had to settle for second. This time he rode Bruno Schickedanz’ Konstantinova for Jonathan Sheppard.

Novice rider Teddy Davies was third on Mary Anne Houghland’s Classical Art. Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard won both divisions of the maiden hurdle race with Gerard Galligan up on both horses. Jonathan not only trained both horses but he was the owner and breeder of Brevard Place in the first division and Penitence in the second.

Both horses rallied from off the pace and won handily.

Brevard Place beat Holwood Stable’s Road to Oz (Stefan Tobin) by 3 lengths with William Russell and Quail Ridge Farm’s Gold Shield (Sean McDermott) third.

Penitence won by 1½ lengths over Bon Nouvel Chasers LLC’s Sudden Victory (Mark Watts), and Ivy Hill Stable’s Dream Verse (Sean McDermott) took third place.

Novice rider Skylar McKenna rallied Welcome Here Farm’s Second Amendment to take the lead in the final half mile of the novice timber race. Kinross Farm’s Great Road (Eric Poretz), Armata Stables’ Pincer Movement (Archie MacAuley) and Four Virginia Gents’ First Friday (Bryan Cullinane) closed through the stretch but could not reach the winner, who won by 1½ lengths. The other three finished in that order.

Sanna Neilson was the victorious trainer.

Meadow Run Farm’s Irish bred Full Time Party carried novice rider Archie MacAuley to victory in the amateur and novice rider timber race. Full Time Party joined the leaders the last time around, took the lead approaching the last fence and won going away by 5 lengths. Wendy Hendriks, J. Huganir, Sanna Neilson and Stewart Strawbridge’s Midnight Shot was second with Parker Hendriks up, and Irvin S. Naylor’s Shinobi

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

was third. This was the first of two wins on the card for trainer Ricky Hendriks.

Hendriks also trained Rosbrian Farm’s Drapers Guild to win the novice rider flat race with Sara Gartland in the irons. Drapers Guild took the lead after the first quarter mile and won as his rider pleased by 1½ lengths. Turks Head Turf’s Thakaa (Virginia Korrell) finished second but was no match for the winner. Why Not Racing LLC’s Paddy’s Crown (Mell Boucher) finished third.

The open flat race went to Gary Barber, Brous Stable and Wachtel Stables’ Belisarius ridden by Bernie Dalton and trained by his wife Kate Dalton. In the race Belisarius went to the lead at the drop of the flag, repulsed a challenge from Irvin Naylor’s French Light (Keri Brion) and held off Leipers Fork Steeplechasers LLC’s Thomas Cubitt (Brian Linehan) by 1 length.

French Light faded to third.

The Virginia Bred, Sired or Certified Flat Race was one of the closest races on the card. Flying Elvis Stable’s Vincent Van Gogo (Graham Watters) led into the stretch, but S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones was gaining ground with every stride and prevailed by ½ length. Crooked Run Racing’s Super Bird (Ross Geraghty) got up for third.

Julie Nafe’s Gun Lobby repeated last year’s win in the sidesaddle race at Warrenton by beating Cherry Blossom Farm LLC’s King of Hearts (Sara Hanerd).

Gun Lobby took the lead on the backside and was never challenged, winning by 1½ lengths. Devon Zebrovious finished third on Cherry Blossom Farm LLC’s Barrister.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid restrictions, the spring point-topoint meets scheduled after the Warrenton Hunt races were all canceled. The two NSA sanctioned meets were rescheduled; Middleburg Spring from April 18 to June 13 and Virginia Gold Cup from May 2 to June 27.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Steeplechase Open Hurdle (l-r) Praeceps (Alex Leventhal, up) - 4th; Orchestra Leader (Mell Boucher, up) - 1st; Noah And The Ark (Eddie Keating, up) - 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle (l-r) The Holy One (Archie MacAuley, up) - 4th; Be Somebody (Sophie Henelius, up) - 1st; Classical Art (Teddy Davies, up) - 3rd. Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Brevard Place (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st; Gold Shield (Sean McDermott, up) – 3rd.

Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Novice Timber Second Amendment (Skylar McKenna, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Maiden Hurdle, 2nd Division (l-r) Canal Zone (Eddie Keating, up); Penitence (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st; Diablo Veloce (Bernie Dalton, up); Ant And Bee (Ross Geraghty, up). Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Springs Valley Open Timber Just Wait And See (Chris Gracie, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

Middleburg Spring Races 6/13/20 A grand celebration was planned for the 100th Running of the Middleburg Spring Races on Saturday, April 18, but the Corona Virus pandemic spoiled the party and the races were postponed. For the next two months Race Chairman Doug Fout and the Race Committee struggled to find a date for the races and then how to proceed safely under the restrictions dictated by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. Finally, a date (June 13th) was chosen, but spectators would not be allowed.

This posed a tremendous obstacle as without an audience there wouldn’t be any income. The Friends of the Middleburg Races and the Virginia Equine Alliance answered the call and with their support the races went on. When entries were taken, the horsemen also answered the call and entered 148 horses in 11 races even though the purses had to be reduced.

The featured race was the $50,000 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Handicap, which originally was to be run for $100,000. In spite of this change nearly every top hurdle horse was on hand, and a field of 8 went to the post. Last year’s winner Bruton Street-US’ Moscato was on hand to defend his title and he did not disappoint. In this year’s race he was reserved off the pace, moved closer to the leaders down the backside the last time around, jumped the last with Hudson River Farm’s Iranistan (Gerard Galligan) and romped home alone by 11½ lengths. Belisarius (Bernie Dalton), who was the runner-up to Moscato in this race a year ago, was second again. The other half of the Bruton Street-US’ entry, Rashaan (Thomas Garner) was third and Iranistan faded to fourth. Last year’s leading trainer, Jack Fisher, and co-leading jockey, Michael Mitchell, handled Moscato.

The favorite in the Middleburg Hunt Cup open timber race was Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Andi’amu, who was seeking his third consecutive win in this race. Trainer Leslie Young had to change riders with Thomas Garner getting his first ride on last year’s NSA Timber Champion in Jack Doyles’ absence. The rider change was seamless as he was on the pace throughout and was in hand and in command, winning by 3¾ lengths over Charles C. Fenwick, Jr., Michael Hankin & Charles Noell’s Doc Cebu (Michael Mitchell). Doc Middleburg Spring Races, Middleburg Hunt Cup Cebu closed well but on Allowance Timber this day was second best, losing by 3¾ lengths. Andi’amust (Thomas Garner, Hudson River Farm’s Co- up) – 1 . Liz Callar photo drington College (Darren Nagle) got the show money.

Jonathan Sheppard was the meet’s leading trainer with three wins on the card. He started his hat trick with Hudson River Farm’s Galway Kid (Darren Nagle) winning the non-winners of two allowance hurdle race. Galway Kid was rated off the pace and rallied to join Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Brianbakescookies for the lead at the last fence. These two battled up the stretch and Galway Kid prevailed by a neck. Another Sheppard trainee, Sherry L. Fenwick’s Anticipating (Sean McDermott), was a good third in this 14-horse field.

Sheppard’s second win was with Buttonwood Farm LLC’s Zoom Zoomzoe (Gerard Galligan) in the filly and mare maiden hurdle race. Jennifer H. Pitts’ Lear Avia (Eric Poretz) set a torrid pace but shortened strides in the latter stages. Zoom Zoomzoe finished strong, took the lead in the stretch and won handily by 5¼ lengths. Lear Avia held on for second with KMSN Stable’s High Sierra (Michael Mitchell) third.

Sheppard’s third winner was in the first division

of the waiver maiden claiming hurdle race with West Grove Venture’s Hyperlapse (Gerard Galligan), who came from off the pace to absolutely crush the field, winning by 15 lengths. Beverly Steinman’s Be Somebody (Barry Foley) ran well for second but could not match strides with the winner. Matthew T. Groff’s Bobby the Boss finished third. This was Gerard Galligan’s third win.

Another of Galligan’s three wins was aboard Carrington Holdings LLC’s Hot Springs, who was trained

by Arch Kingsley, Jr. Hot Springs was kept off the pace, was third over the last fence and came flying up the stretch to finish first by 1 length. Riverdee Stable’s Lonely Weekend (Michael Mitchell) held on for the place, and Irvin S. Naylor’s French Light (Darren Nagle) was the show.

The other waiver claiming maiden hurdle winner was PathFinder Racing’s My Own Lane (Graham Watters). My Own Lane was third for most of the race and took command approaching the final hurdle. Terry Whittier and Bourke Racing’s Georgie Hyphen (Gerard Galligan) made a late rush but lost by 3¾ lengths with Savage Den Stables’ Bold Escape (Barry Foley) taking home third money. Local trainer Neil Morris saddled the winner.

Richard Valentine was another local trainer, who saddled a winner on the card when Runnymede Racing LLC’s Critical Data (Kieran Norris) finished first in the four-year-old maiden hurdle race. Riverdee Stable’s Twenty Years On (Sean McDermott) made much of the running with Critical Data in his shadow. Upon landing after the last hurdle, Critical Data pulled away and won handily by 2¼ lengths. Hudson River Farms’ Another Try (Darren Nagle) out finished Twenty Years On for second Trainer Jack Fisher had a second win on the race card when Storm Team (Sean McDermott) led throughout the maiden timber race. He was never threatened and won easily by five and three-fifths lengths. Ann Jackson’s Flash Jackson (Michael Mitchell) and Buttonwood Farm, LLC’s The Silent Trainer (Gerard Galligan) closed well to be second and third but were no match for the winner.

The Alfred M. Hunt Steeplechase is always a crowd pleaser, but this year there wasn’t a crowd. For us that were there we enjoyed seeing Straylight Racing LLC’s Invocation (Sean McDermott) negotiate the varied fence race course. He was never worse than third, led over the last fence and drew away to win by 1½ length over Donna Rogers’ Dapper Dan (Graham Watters). Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Mercoueur (Thomas Garner) was third.

Sixteen horses went to the start for the training flat race guaranteeing a lot of action—some good and some bad. The good was the impressive performance of Irvin S. Naylor’s Chief Justice. Graham Watters allowed Chief Justice to settle until the final three furlongs. At that time, he was moving the best of all. He advanced steadily, took the lead and won as his rider pleased by 9 lengths. Armata Stables’ Zanzi Win crossed the line in second, but here is the bad. He and four others went off course the first time around and were disqualified. Riverdee Stable’s Include it (Colin Smith) was moved up to second and Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Mutasaawy (Barry Foley) was awarded third.

Virginia Gold Cup Races 6/27/20 The Virginia Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow near The Plains has been a festive occasion with the races only a part of the many activities. This meet usually has the largest attendance in Virginia, but enter the Corona Virus in 2020 and all of this changes. The Virginia Gold Cup Races had to be postponed to June 27 with no spectators. I think most of you know that I do the race call at the Gold Cup, and on many occasions I have said, “the fans go wild.” This year I was tempted to say that the fans didn’t go wild because there were no fans. What has the world come to?

Middleburg Spring Races, Temple Gwathmey Grade III Hurdle Handicap Stakes Moscato (#9, Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st.

Liz Callar photo

Middleburg Spring Races, Maiden Timber Storm Team (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st.

Liz Callar photo

Middleburg Spring Races, Waiver Claiming Maiden Hurdle, 1st Division Hyperlapse (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st. Liz Callar photo

Middleburg Spring Races, Waiver Claiming Maiden Hurdle, 2nd Division My Own Lane (Graham Watters, up) – 1st.

Liz Callar photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

14

Virginia Gold Cup, Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle. 1st Division Emerald Rocket (Michael Mitchell, black helmet, up) – 1st; French Light (Darren Nagle, yellow helmet, up) – 2nd.

Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, Four-Year-Old Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Fast Car (Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st; Leading The Light (#10, Bernie Dalton, up); Baltimore Bucko (Gerard Galligan, up) – 2nd.

Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, Timber Stakes (l-r) Codrington College (Darren Nagle, up) – 2nd; Doc Cebu (Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, Ratings Handicap Hurdle Go Get The Basil (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

Al Griffin, Will Allison and their team did a great job jumping through hoops and being able to hold ten races. The Virginia Equine Alliance had a big role in raising purse money. All of their work allowed the show to go on.

There are certain things that the Pandemic could not stop, and heading that list was trainer Jack Fisher’s incredible success in saddling winners of the Virginia Gold Cup. Fisher has trained eleven winners of this classic four mile timber race, and he was looking to get his twelfth win with Charles C. Fenwick, Jr., Michael Hankin & Charles Noell’s Doc Cebu (Michael Mitchell). He had been a good second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup to Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Andi’amu (Thomas Garner), and he has also had success at Great Meadow having won the International Gold Cup in 2017 and 2018. Last year’s Virginia Gold Cup winner, Andi’amu was coming off a win at Middleburg Spring and would have been the favorite with Doc Cebu the second choice if wagering had been allowed. In the race, Sheila Williams and Northwoods Stables’ Storm Team (Sean McDermott) and Andi’amu made the running. As the field started the second time around, Storm Team went off course and Andi’amu followed. That left Doc Cebu and Hudson River Farms’ Codrington College (Darren Nagle), who took turns on the front end until they approached the last fence. At this point Doc Cebu found a different gear and romped home alone beating Codrington College by 12¼ lengths. Irvin S. Naylor’s Super Saturday (Gerard Galligan) was third.

The co-featured race was the David H. Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes, and Jack Fisher trained Bruton Street-US’ Snap Decision (Sean McDermott), who had been the NSA’s novice hurdle champion last year. In the race he came from far off the pace, rallied to jump the last hurdle with the lead and won handily by 4¼ lengths. This was his fourth straight win and he looks as if he might challenge for a season end title. Irvin S. Naylor’s Chief Justice (Barry Foley), who had prepped in a winning effort in the training flat at Middleburg, was second. He ran another good race but was no match for the winner. Ditto for Sharon Sheppard’s Redicean (Thomas Garner) who was third.

Jack Fisher had a grand slam winning two more races. He won the Four-Year-Old Maiden Hurdle Race and one division of the Waiver Maiden Claiming Hurdle Race. In the Four-YearOld Race Robert V. LaPenta’s Fast Car (Michael Mitchell) and Buttonwood Farms LLC’s Baltimore Bucko (Gerard Galligan) were reserved off the early pace but they both rallied around the last turn and dueled most of the final quarter mile. Fast Car proved best in the run to the finish and prevailed by ½ length. Baltimore Bucko was making his first start in any kind of race. His trainer Jonathan Sheppard has always been a master in turning out first time starters. Riverdee Stables’ Twenty Years On (Sean McDermott) had led on the backside but was not able to stick with the top two but stayed for third.

In the first division of the waiver maiden claiming hurdle race trainer Jack Fisher and jockey Michael Mitchell collaborated to get a narrow victory with DASH Stables’s Shark Du Berlais. Beverly Steinman’s Be Somebody (Barry Foley) shared the lead with Shark Du Berlais approaching the second last hurdle. These two bat-

tled over the last hurdle and to the finish where only a nose separated them with Irvin S. Naylor’s Tricked Up (Skylar McKenna) third after leading with a quarter mile to run. This was Michael Mitchell’s fourth win.

Leslie Young saddled a pair of winners with Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Emerald Rocket (Thomas Garner) taking the first division of the Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle Race, and Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Mercoeur (Thomas Garner) was victorious in the Steeplethon. In the maiden race Emerald Rocket stalked Irvin S. Naylor’s French Light (Darren Nagle) and Beverly Steinman’s Deposit (Barry Foley) until they turned for home. Deposit started to tire, leaving Emerald Rocket and French Light to duel to the finish where Emerald Rocket proved best over French Light by ½ length. River Dee Stable’s Lemonade Thursday (Michael Mitchell) was third. In the Steeplethon, Mercoeur was never far from the early leader and in sole possession of the lead the final three furlongs. Straylight Racing LLC’s Invocation (Sean McDermott) closed well but fell short by 6½ lengths. Andrew Takacs’ Pac Yer Tack (Gerard Galligan) came in third.

The second division of the Virginia Alliance Maiden Hurdle Race went to Riverdee Stable’s Lonely Weekend (Michael Mitchell). Lonely Weekend was reserved in the early going, started making up ground on the backside the last time around, led over the last two hurdles and won going away. Beverly Steinman’s Princeville threatened at the last fence but didn’t sustain his rally and was beaten by 2¾ lengths. Clarke Ohrstrom’ Mr. Bridger (Kieran Norris) got up for third.

Novice rider Elizabeth Scully won her first sanctioned race over fences on Irvin S. Naylor’s Elucidation in the ratings handicap hurdle race for horses rated 125 or lower. Elucidation was not hurried in the early going, but made up ground and got in the hunt around the last turn. He was in pursuit of Silverton Hill, LLC’s Bodes Well (Sean McDermott), who led over the last fence. In the stretch he could not hold off Elucidation, who won by 1½ lengths. Jonathan Sheppard and Steven Poorman’s Hepcat (Gerard Galligan) rounded out the top three.

In the ratings handicap for horses which are rated 115 or lower, Eve Ledyard’s Go Get the Basil (Gerard Galligan) came from off the pace, launched his rally around the final turn and got up in the final strides to win over Leipers Fork Steeplechasers LLC’s Court Ruler (Thomas Garner). Petticoats Loose Farm’s Gaye Breeze (Michael Mitchell) closed well to finish third.

Jonathan Sheppard was the winning trainer.

Diana Gillam’s Elmutahid (Bernard Dalton) is trained by Diana’s father, Jeremy Gillam. Elmutahid is a ten-year-old maiden, and a horse breaking his maiden at this stage of a horse’s career doesn’t happen often. He defied the odds and not only won but romped home alone by 14 lengths in the waiver claiming hurdle race. Elmutahid went to the front with one more time to go and steadily improved his position. Rosbrian Farm’s Good and Proper (Archie MacAuley) and John Greene’s Mr. Haire (Thomas Garner) finished second and third but were no match for the winner. The Gillams were awarded for their perseverance.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

15

Virginia Gold Cup Steeplethon winner Mercoeur (Thomas Garner, up) gets a well-deserved dousing following his victory on a hot day. Douglas Lees photo

In the first of three $20,000 maiden hurdle races at Colonial Downs, Irvin S. Naylor’s A Silent Player (Gerard Galligan, up) was at the center of the pack over the first fence (light green and yellow colors) and prevailed in a driving finish.

Virginia Gold Cup, Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle, 2nd Division (l-r) Mr. Bridger (#2, Kieran Norris up) – 3rd; Princeville (#11, Barry Foley, up) – 2nd; Quick Toss (#6) – 4th; Lonely Weekend (#3, Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Coady Photography.

The Board of Directors of the Virginia Equine Alliance is made up of David Ross (HBPA), Scott Wogen (VHHA), Will Allison (VA Gold Cup) and Jill Gordon-Moor (VTA). They deserve a huge thank you from the steeplechase community for helping to make the Middleburg Spring Races and the Virginia Gold Cup Races possible. Without them there would not be any sanctioned racing in Virginia this year.

The VEA Board recognizes that this year has been very challenging for everyone in racing and breeding, and the Board is dedicated to help all aspects of the industry. The Board is supplementing purses at the Shenandoah Downs harness meet later this year. In addition, the Fall National Steeplechase Association meets in Virginia will have VEA funding available to offset the loss of sponsors and spectators should they race.

The Virginia Equine Alliance is dedicated to promoting, sustaining and expanding Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing and breeding in Virginia. Their commitment to the sport makes racing possible despite the Covid Pandemic. On behalf of the Virginia Steeplechase Association, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the Board of the VEA. •••••

In the second race, The Happy Giant (left, orange and blue, Ross Geraghty, up) overcame a slow start to finish first by a neck. Coady Photography photo

Go As You Please (center, green and white, Barry Foley, up) was best in a field of nine fillies and mares.

Coady Photography photo

Colonial Downs 8/2/20 The steeplechase season at Colonial Downs started August 2 with three maiden hurdle races. Two of these were for colts and geldings and the third was a maiden race for fillies and mares.

In the first race Irvin S. Naylor’s A Silent Player had never raced under rules or at the point-topoints. He was a true maiden, but he was in the hands of all time leading trainer, Jonathan Sheppard. No one prepares a horse as well as Sheppard; so it was not a surprise when he won in a hotly contested race. A Silent Player (Gerard Galligan), Fearnought Farm LLC’s Princeville (Barry Foley) and Woodslane Farm’s Lunaire (Michael Mitchell) were all closing well after being off the early pace. These horses were tightly bunched in the stretch, but A Silent Player prevailed in a driving finish by 1¾ lengths over Princeville with Lunaire fading to third after leading entering the stretch.

When the flag dropped in the second race owner/trainer Allison Fulmer’s The Happy Giant (Ross Geraghty) dwelt at the start and was well off the pace near the tail end of the field. He overcame the slow start and was making up serious ground around the last turn. He came flying down the stretch and scored a neck over Hurricana Farm’s Sherkali, who had led into the stretch. Riverdee Stable’s Lemonade Thursday (Michael Mitchell) closed well and was only beaten by a neck for third.

A field of nine fillies and mares contested the third race, which was won by Beverly R. Steinman’s Go as You Please (Barry Foley). She stalked the early leader, Flying Elvis Stable’s Over to You (Archie MacAuley) the first time around. She took command around the final turn and won driving by 3¼ lengths. She held off Jonathan Sheppard’s Penitence (Gerard Galligan), who rallied to be second and Bonnie Rye Stable’s Flametta (Ross Geraghty) closed well to be third.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • FALL 2020

HORSE RACING

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance Lynchburg, a three-year-old Munnings gelding bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm, captured a $40,000 maiden restricted race on August 3.

Red Pepper Grill, bred by the Chance Farm, won at five furlongs on the dirt August 2 with Alberto Delgado—who last rode in 2017—in the irons. The veteran rider notched career victory number 2,934 from start number 25,141.

Bred by Susan Minor, Tolaga Bay won a 1 1/16th miles turf race for $40,000 maiden claimers on July 29. Apprentice rider Rebecca Grace Labarre directed the four-year-old Fierce Wind gelding to victory. It was Labarre’s first win of the meet. She went on to record a three-win performance five nights later.

Todd Pletcher’s Largent captured the Edward P. Evans Stakes at Colonial Downs July 30. Coady Photography photo

What The Beep, Largent Prevail in Virginia-Bred/Sired Opening Week Stakes Week at Colonial Downs The six-week “spectator-free” summer Thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs kicked off July 28 and a pair of $60,000 stakes for Virginia-bred and sired horses headlined opening week festivities.

Eagle Point Farms’ What The Beep pulled off an upset with a one-length victory over heavy favorite Tan and Tight in the Camptown Stakes. The homebred daughter of Great Notion was ridden by Forest Boyce for trainer Karen Godsey, who bred and broke the 5-year-old mare on her Eagle Point Farm.

“This is very emotional for me,” said a tearful Godsey. “Her mother [Toccoa] was my first winner. To win a race like the Camptown, which my grandfather helped to start, is important to me. We mainly race here, and the rest of the year I am breaking horses on the farm.”

What the Beep won the M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes at Colonial last summer but hasn’t raced since an off-the-board finish in an allowance race at Laurel last October.

“She got a little cut on her leg and we almost missed that last race,” Godsey explained.

“So she came home and got to spend the whole winter being a horse, hanging out, and ran around an 80-acre field with all her brothers.

It’s nice she gets to do that, come back Jockey Forest Boyce after leading What The Beep to here and run like victory in the Camptown Stakes. Coady Photography photo this.”

A compact field of four went to the gate later that night in the Edward P. Evans Stakes and heavily favored Largent prevailed. The son of Into Mischief covered the mile over firm turf in 1:36.14. He is trained by Todd Pletcher who picked up his third victory in the first two nights of racing at Colonial. Tyler Conner had the winning ride.

“I wanted to be a little closer than I was [early in the race],” Conner said. “I let him settle where he’s happy. My man Trevor [jockey McCarthy] had me in a little tight. I didn’t want to take back and go around. So I just went with the momentum and hoped he’d split somewhere and I could get through.”

Largent’s tally was his fourth in six starts and the $36,000 winner’s share boosted his bankroll to $134,670. Embolden, the 2019 Jamestown winner, was beaten just a length.

There were three other Virginia-bred winners during the meet’s first four days.

Guillaume Wins the Virginia Certified Hansel Stakes at Colonial Downs Guillaume rallied on the outside and overtook Merchant of Hope in the final strides of the $40,000 Hansel Stakes for Virginia Certified 2-year-olds. The son of Hard Spun is owned by DARRS Inc., trained by Mike Stidham and was ridden

by Trevor McCarthy, the same owner-trainer-jockey combination who were leaders at the 2019 Colonial meeting.

Named after a famous Canadian ballet dancer, Guillaume’s performance impressed owner David Ross. “Mike did a great job getting the horse ready and Trevor did a phenomenal job getting out in the lane and just getting him to the wire in time. The horse was moving forwardly at the finish. He’s an exciting horse to watch.”

Guillaume was making his career debut in the Hansel and covered the 5½ furlongs over a fast track in 1:04.38. The winner was broken at the Middleburg Training Center by Ballyerin David Ross’s Guillaume was best in the Hansel Stakes for Racing’s Madison Virginia-Certified 2-year-olds. Coady Photography photo Meyers and Kieran Norris. The Center recently underwent a multi-million-dollar upgrade.

Early season winners in $40,000 Virginia-Restricted races (open to Virginiabred, sired or certified horses) included Palio and La Limonada. The former, like Guillaume, spent his residency period with Ballyerin Racing. The two-year-old Twirling Candy colt is also trained by Stidham and owned by Ross. The latter is owned/bred by Jeannette Reck and trained by her son Chris. The Pennsylvaniabred spent her six-month residency at the Reck’s Southwoods Farm in New Canton.

Shenandoah Downs To Run Its Fall Extended Meet Without Spectators The fifth annual fall racing season at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock will take place September 18 - October 17 but due to the Covid pandemic, will be run without spectators and without wagering.

“Given the current Covid-19 circumstances and restrictions, we felt the best way to proceed this year was to focus our energies on providing a safe meet for horsemen,” said Jeb Hannum, Executive Director of the Virginia Equine Alliance.

“I know fans will be disappointed to hear, but the decision was made with the safety of fans and participants in mind. We plan to be back to normal in 2021.”

Track officials are giving aspiring race callers a chance to hone their skills during the meet. The opportunity is open to anyone who has previous announcing skills, has aspirations of becoming a race caller, is a horse racing fan—or none of the above. The lucky opportunists will get to announce a complete afternoon race program over the microphone and via Shenandoah’s live video streaming feed. Visit www.shenandoahdowns.com for details.

Even though they can’t attend in person, fans will still be able to enjoy the races via video streaming at www.shenandoahdowns.com. Post times for both Friday and Saturday programs are at 2 PM. The Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association will conduct a three-day VHHA Matinee Meet from September 2-4 which replaces the Shenandoah County Fair meet that normally would have been held at that time. ”We’re considering it a prep meet for the five-week extended season,” said Dee Lineweaver, who serves as Racing Secretary for both. “We’re happy to provide horsemen with another three racing opportunities in this challenging year.”

CALENDAR

Upcoming Events In & Around Horse Country

This spring and summer has been a difficult time for group activities. While many traditional events such as hound shows and race meets had to be canceled, others were allowed to go forward but under tightly restricted conditions. As this issue goes to press, we’ve listed here those events that are, at this point anyway, still scheduled to go forward as planned. It’s possible some might yet be canceled while others might be added if restrictions are loosened. Moreover, even those that are listed here may require participants to observe certain procedures (e.g., face masks, social distancing, limits on the number of those participating at the same time, etc.).

We encourage you to use the contact info listed for each event before attending to assure it is still going forward as planned and to confirm any specific instructions you’ll need to follow.

Sep. 2 - 4 VHHA Matinee Harness Meet, Shenandoah Downs, Woodstock, VA, www.virginiahorseracing.com Sep. 5 Kentucky Derby Day at Virginia OTBs, www.colonialdowns.com Sep. 9 VTA Yearling Futurity at Warrenton Horse Show Grounds, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, www.vabred.org Sept. 12 Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue, VA 12:00 noon. Information: 540-364-4573 or 540-636-1507, olddominionhounds.com Sep. 18 - Oct. 17 Harness Racing at Shenandoah Downs, Woodstock, VA, www.virginiahorseracing.com Sept. 19 Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Woodley Farm, Berryville, VA 1:00 p.m.

Information: 540-636-0500 or 540-974-0500, www.blueridgehunt.org Sept. 20 Deep Run Hunt Fall Hunter Pace, Sunnyside Farm, Wilmington, VA, 9:00 a.m.

Information: Lynn Richie 804-986-2944, DRHC.Pace@gmail.com, www.deeprunhuntclub.com Sept. 27 Bull Run Hunt Fall Hunter Pace, The Preserve, Rapidan, VA, 9:00 a.m.

Information: Rosie Campbell, MFH 540-268-7454, rosie268@aol.com, www.bullrunhunt.com Oct. 4 Foxfield Fall Race Meet, Charlottesville, VA 1:30 p.m. Information: 434-293-9501, www.foxfieldraces.com Oct. 4 Keswick Hunt Club Fall Hunter Pace, Bridlespur, Keswick, VA, 9:00 a.m. Information: Erica Stevens, 561-601-9531, happyhorses@equinewelfaresociety.org, www.keswickhuntclub.com Oct. 4 Warrenton Hunt Clay Shoot, Granville Farm, 10:00 a.m., ahnash362@gmail.com or 540-270-3641 Oct. 10 Virginia Fall Race Meet, Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA 1:00 p.m.

Information: 540-687-9797, virginiafallraces@gmail.com, www.vafallraces.com Oct. 11 Sportsman’s 75 Clay Shoot Inter-Hunt Challenge, Marshall, VA 8:00 a.m.

Information: Steve Farrin at 540-724-1020 or Babs Timmerman at 540-270-5047 Oct. 18 Warrenton Hunt Fall Hunter Pace, Millpoint/Clovercroft, Warrenton, VA, 10:00 a.m. Information: Clydetta P. Talbot, 540-219-6562, clydetta@live.com, www.warrentonhunt.com Oct. 18 Virginia Field Hunter Championship, Hosted by Bull Run Hunt, Locust Hill Farm, Locust Dale, VA. Information: www.bullrunhunt.com Oct. 25 Old Dominion Hounds Fall Hunter Pace, Hinckley Memorial Field, Marshall, VA, 10:00 a.m. Debbie Welch, 540-631-8607, Debbie6Welch@gmail.com.

Oct. 24 International Gold Cup, Great Meadow, The Plains, VA 12:30 p.m. Information: 540-347-2612, www.vagoldcup.com Nov. 1 Rappahannock Hunt Fall Hunter Pace, Pine Rock, Reva, VA, 10:00 a.m.

Information: Shannon deWit, 703-989-9545, shannon.e.dewit@gmail.com, www.rappahannockhunt.com Oct. 25 Orange County Hounds Team Chase Event, Old Whitewood Farm, The Plains, VA, 12:00 noon. Contact Pippy McCormick, pippymcc@gmail.com, 540-454-2852, or Helen Bretell, 540-270-3993 Nov. 8 Farmington Hunt Fall Fun Hunter Pace, Overstreet’s, Standardsville, VA, 9:00 a.m. Information: Carolyn Chapman, 434-978-1319, chapmanc44@gmail.com, www.farmingtonhunt.org

REMEMBRANCE Ginevra Mitchell Hunter

By Virginia Hunter Chandler Ginevra (Giny) Hunter was born in Lake Forest, Illinois, on April 30, 1926. She started hunting with Mill Creek Hunt on ponies as a young girl, riding out from her family’s farm. After a hiatus during WWII, Mill Creek started back up in 1946. Giny whipped in and in 1959 became Master serving until 1965. I remember her riding in a Mill Creek hunter trial in the pouring rain. She tore around the course and won several very nice silver bowls, which I gleefully kept Ginevra Mitchell Hunter for her.

April 30, 1926 - April 15, 2020 Giny moved to California Courtesy of the family and, as her younger daughter Cynthia began to ride, she became very involved with the U.S. Pony Clubs, eventually becoming a member of the Board. Giny was the MFHA liaison with Pony Club until her death. She fervently believed foxhunting was critical in teaching riding skills.

Giny returned to foxhunting in 1974 with Los Altos Hounds and whipped in from the start. She became Master in 1982 and served until 1997. In 1997, Giny took what was supposed to be a three-month trip to hunt in Virginia. Instead she bought a house and moved cross-country to hunt with Orange County and Piedmont. She was fearless, often leading less brave riders over the big coops. Giny also hunted with Thornton Hill.

A knee replacement at age 84 ended her hunting but she still followed the hunt and helped with hounds. Giny always had a keen interest in the hounds, drafting some English hounds for Los Altos. She judged many hound shows, including at Morven Park.

At one point Giny made a list of all the hunts she rode with and counted 25 in England and 16 in the U.S. She served as a district representative for the MFHA and travelled around visiting hunts all over the US. Giny was a true foxhunter; she loved every aspect of the sport and mentored many young riders, her daughters included. She even fed and wormed the local fox on her property in Marshall.

Giny was independent to the end and lived her life as she wished. We will miss her.

Sportsman’s 75 Clay Shoot Inter-Hunt Challenge A fun day in the country with clay shooting and lunch!

Sunday, October 11 8 am check-in, 8:30 shooters meeting and 9 am to stations (should entries allow, a 2nd flight will be organized to start at 12:30) 6692 Leeds Manor Road, Marshall, 20115 - Hunter Trial Field Team Style competition with arrangements for scramble teams.

Prizes for top individuals and teams.

Series open to all members of the sporting community!

Registration closes October 6 For information: Steve Farrin 540-724-1020 or Babs Timmerman 540-2705047 Register online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044DA9A622A7FB6-sportsmans

AUGUST HOUND EXERCISE

Joint-Master and Huntsman Beth Opitz, aided by her son Bennett, brings in the Thornton Hill Hounds after some exercise and sport from the kennels on August 2, 2020. Denny Bomar photo

Robert Taylor, Joint-Master and Huntsman, leads hounds and followers for some evening exercise from the kennels, passing by Tusculum Farm, August 19, 2020.

Karen Kandra photo

Blue Ridge Hunt hounds follow Huntsman Graham Buston for some roading exercise from kennels, August 17, 2020. Joanne Maisano photo

Huntsman Ashley Hubbard takes the Green Spring Valley hounds out for some jogging and jumping, August 15, 2020, from the kennels at Glyndon, Maryland.

Karen Kandra photo