Maryland Spring Steeplechasing is BACK!
Read on to find out what’s new in 2022:
NEW POINT-TO-POINT on the Eastern Shore
MSA welcomes a new race to the Governor’s Cup Series! The inaugural running of the Mount Harmon Wicomico Hunt Point-to-Point will be held Sunday, April 10 at the historic Mount Harmon Plantation in Earleville. Located in Cecil County, Mount Harmon is the northern most colonial-era Tidewater Plantation in the Chesapeake region open to the public. Ten races are carded for the day, including junior flat races, five timber races, and an amateur apprentice flat race. Spectators can enjoy an antique carriage and hound parade, tailgate contest, VIP tent, food court, open-air tavern and marketplace.
NEW MAIDEN TIMBER at the Grand National
The Grand National Steeplechase is adding a maiden timber race, which will run over the Western Run course. Points earned by horses in any maiden timber race this season will go towards the Maryland Novice Timber Champion Award.
NEW MONEY for Maryland-Breds
In January, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) announced an award program for owner and breeder bonuses for registered Maryland-breds at sanctioned meets in Maryland. Owners and breeders will earn 30% bonuses on purses when a Maryland-bred finishes first, second, or third. The meets that qualify for this program are the My Lady’s Manor, Grand National Steeplechase, Maryland Hunt Cup, Fair Hill Races, and The Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs.
NEW MONEY for Irish Thoroughbreds
MSA has partnered with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to offer a $1,000 cash bonus to the owner, and another $1,000 cash bonus to the trainer of the highest ranked Irish thoroughbred in the Governor’s Cup Series. Check the conditions book for details; please note that horses must be entered into races with the (IRE) designation in order for points to count towards the award.
NEW MEMBER Legacy Chase
MSA is pleased to welcome The Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs to the association. The September 2022 Legacy Chase will kick off the 2023 Maryland Governor’s Cup Series.
NEW 2022 Conditions Book
Now available in print-on-demand (for a small fee) or FREE with digital only (click on your preference).
2022 Sponsors
The 2022 Maryland Governor’s Cup Series is presented by Farm Credit, sponsored by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, and supported by media partner/sponsor Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred.