Spring officially starts at the vernal equinox on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. EDT, but for many, spring hasn’t really started until we hear “the flag is up!” at the first point-to-point in the Governor’s Cup Series, the Green Spring Valley Hounds Point-to-Point Sunday, March 29th, followed by the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point on Saturday, April 4th. You can go to marylandsteeplechasing.org and at the bottom of the homepage, click on each race to purchase your tailgate space!
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026?
The 2026 Condition Book is now available – click here. Check routinely, as the book will be updated as necessary.
Official Pony Measuring: Forrest & Lia Kelly will be available to measure, text Forrest to make arrangements: 443-869-0762.
MSA Memberships: MSA is announcing new levels of membership: Individual, Group (Family, Farm, Stable, Syndicate, Business) and Patron level, with a variety of benefits – look for details online soon. NOTE: in order to receive year-end awards and rewards, membership will be required.
New MSA Website Under Construction: With the architecture of our current website no longer structurally sound, we are in the process of building a new and better site. In the meantime, we will muddle through this season with our existing site, but if you cannot find something, please email cbpickett@marylandsteeplechasing.org.
New MSA Directors: The Board welcomes the following fresh faces to their first full season serving as At-Large Directors: Dan Baker, Betty McCue, Brett Owings and Patrick Worrall. Their 2-year terms started July 1, 2025 and will conclude June 30, 2027.
Revised Austin Michael Ciba Tamberino Award: The Tamberino Award has migrated from a pointed award to a discretionary “good sportsmanship” award, to be presented in recognition of a pony rider’s character, values, and sportsmanship. Eligible candidates will be under the age of 16 and will have participated in the current pony racing season. For more information, please see the “Discretionary Award” descriptions in the 2026 Condition Book.