Hunt Cup Promises Exciting End to Steeplechase Season

will face-off once again this Saturday, and this time they’re fighting to win the Maryland Hunt Cup, the state’s premier steeplechase race.

On April 23, Private Attack, who placed second in last year’s Hunt Cup race, edged out Incomplete to win the Grand National Championship–and $30,000.

This time around, the stakes are even higher with $75,000 up for grabs.

The possibility of a Challenge Trophy win adds another exhilarating element to the race.

The Challenge Trophy is awarded to a horse owner who has won three Hunt Cup championships. Charles Fenwick Jr. last achieved this feat 28 years ago with his horse Cancottage.

Fenwick is one of only six winners in the Hunt Cup’s 115-year history.

This year, horse owners Irv Naylor and the North Woods Stable stand a chance of winning the coveted, elusive trophy.

Naylor hopes to claim the win with his horse Gorgeous Charger, and North Woods Stable is competing with Battle Op and Volle Nolle.

The Hunt Cup is expected to post at 4 p.m., but gates will open at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $30 per car for general parking and $100 for patron parking, which is closer to the racecourse.

General passes can be purchased at the following locations:

• The Butler Store
• The Filling Station
• The Wine Merchant
• Dogwood Tack
• Unionville Saddlery
• Valley Motors

Patron passes can only be bought at Valley Motors. 

Directions for the race can be found here. 

With temperatures in the upper 60s and sunny skies, the Maryland Hunt Cup is sure to be a fun and exciting family event.