The Grand National Steeplechase Races

April 23, 2022

Under clear blue skies, the 2022 Grand National Steeplechase Races ran across the greening fields of Butler Maryland. Post Time was 3.00 PM, with four races. By the end of the day, I had walked and run over five miles across much of the course chasing horse and rider. I have been lucky enough to walk these fields once a year since I was a foot or two tall, and still mark it as the one of the most scenic landscapes on this globe, with the rolling hills disappearing over the horizon as if there were no cities and the thought that 1,500 pound animals jumping four foot fences is normal.

The Prelude

Every meet begins with the normal shuffle of horses with men and women purposely striding from trailer to horse to scales. Or casually discussing the coming races. Or just watching it all unfold, which is usually my role. I envy the risk taking ability of the young; their indestructibility enabling the donning of silks and racing across the tufted grass, over weathered fences, and, if all goes well, under the wire to rousing cheers. The pre-race briefing is always both serious and joking. Most everyone is already familiar with the courses, many have raced them previously, and while still laughing it up, the jockeys pay attention to every detail. The soil in front of a certain fence is soft, drainage around a certain curve was poor from a previous rain, and a flag is in a slightly different place. Everyone is given a refresher of the rules, again, and a reminder to be safe and have fun.

The Weigh-Ins proceed, it almost seems meditative. Picking and pulling iron pieces to get just the right weight, dragging saddles and silks onto the scale, off by a bit, back and forth. Swapping with competitors, but actually a very silent process when most all else is a bit more conversational.

The Races Part 1

Managing the Race & Hurdles and Getting Around

Co-Chairs Forrest Kelly and Ned Worthington repair fences mid-race and manage the logistics from John Deere Gators all afternoon, the Fenwick family gets racer and spectators across the course, and the stewards keep the races safe.

The Races Part 2

The Races Part 3