Before post time eyes were on last years Maryland Hunt Cup winner Raven’s Choice this past weekend at the 120th running of the legendary 4 mile, 22 fence timber contest. The former winner had also just won the 2016 Grand National Steeplechase the week prior. But, nine minutes and eleven seconds after the flag dropped on that cool Saturday morning, everyone was talking about the new master of the race, Senior Senator. Owned by Vicky and Skip Crawford, the six year old bay son of Domestic Dispute lead the field by 25 lengths at one point, guided by the young jockey Eric Poretz.
Senior Senator (L) and Guts for Garters (R) soar over the last in the 120th running of the Maryland Hunt Cup. Photo:Bob Keller
Out of 13 starters, only five made it under the wire in the most difficult timber race in the country. Derwin’s Prospect exited the race at fence one, loosing his rider Erika Taylor. Joshua G was next to party ways with his pilot when Sarah Shaffers foot was caught in the reins of the then loose Derwins Prospector as her mount was jumping the 4th fence. Any Key was a faller at the 6th fence and And The Eagle Flys went at the 11th. Last’s years champ Raven’s Choice was looking strong until he fell at the 16th along with Forrest Kelly on Almarmooq. Foyle and James Slater, as well as McLane Hendriks and Catch the Echo parted ways at the 18th fence, then it was up to the five entries still standing. Imperial Way, last years winner before he was disqualified for not carrying the proper weight, was piloted by Diana Gillam, as regular jockey Bethany Baumgardner was injured in a race earlier this year. Imperial Way reportedly didn’t like the condition of the ground, hard, and just couldn’t get there. Serene Harbor steered by Annie Yeager had a great trip, but were no contest for the three runners ahead of them. Drift Society and Conor Hankin gave a good solid try to catch Senior Senator and Guts for Garters, who jumped the last in unison, but settled for third. Jody Petty, former champion jockey turned amateur jockey, and his mount Guts for Garters just got beat at the wire by Senior Senator by a mere half a length. Owners Vickie and Skip Crawford were elated, as was trainer Joe Davies.
Video courtesy of HCP Sports via VIMEO.
For full results of the 120th of the Maryland Hunt Cup click HERE.
For the Maryland Hunt Cup story from the Baltimore Sun paper click HERE.
For the Maryland Hunt Cup story from the Equiery click HERE.
For the Maryland Hunt Cup stories from This is Horse Racing’s Joe Clancy click HERE, HERE, and HERE.
The Maryland Junior Hunt Cup also took place this past weekend. For full results of the Maryland Junior Hunt Cup click HERE. Junior and young riders with aspirations of riding in the real deal one day braved the rain and chilly temperatures to compete in nine different divisions on the day designed for junior and young riders.
Winners on the day included Kiley Ahn on Frosted Flakes in the Shetland Flat, Ben Cory on Rock Star in the Small Pony Flat, Theo Sushko on Count Chocula in the Medium Pony Flat, Hot Chocolate and Colin Smith in the Large Pony Flat races.
For full results of the Maryland Junior Hunt Cup click HERE.
REMINDER Entries for the Howard County Cup Races close TODAY at NOON. Visit www.centralentryoffice.com to enter.