125th Running of the Maryland Hunt Cup
April 30, 2022

Saturday April 30 began with a near frost. Thirty some degrees at dawn, but the cold yielded to the springtime advances. Near clear skies opened for the afternoon, and under a bright sun, the 2022 Maryland Hunt Cup was a great show. Vintage Vinnie, who stunned the pack last year by setting a course record, repeated the show. With Teddy Davies astride, he galloped to an eight minute fifteen second run, a great victory for the young jockey, and great victory for his father, Joe Davies, who trained Vintage Vinnie for owner Armata Stables.

Below, an impromptu sunshade, four decades of Hunt Cup winners, a strong fashion statement, Sam Robinson’s gorgeous paintings taking shape, and money changing hands.

There are two Hunt Cups: the grand party in the fields, with tailgates and fun; and the race itself, with intense jockeys, excited owners, and magnificent horses. This year was special. Standing at my usual spot at the 3rd / 13th fence, and then running to the finish line, the crowd’s focus on the race, cheering for every cleared fence, and exuberance at the end was as invigorating as it was beautiful. Who can help but get a little emotional at the sight of a horse launching itself into the air, and then dropping flawlessly to the soft grass to continue on to the next hurdle?

I ventured to the stables, lurked around the jockeys tents, and probably walked around six miles in the verdant fields off Tufton Avenue. Maybe one year I’ll relax and enjoy the grand party Hunt Cup. Hopefully not for a while.

Above, at the stables, final checks are made. The horses are kept calm, lightly walked, and checked by veterinarians. Owners, trainers, and some jockeys walk about. It’s a light mood, but serious nonetheless. Below, the jockeys arrive looking sharp, weigh in at the tent, and receive the race briefing.

Every race is preceded by meetings. Race officials have one, Medical Personnel have one, and jockeys have one. The rules are presented, the course is described. The Hunt Cup is actually unique in that there is a crowd around the jockeys, snapping photos, and listening to the discussions. Is this gate open or closed, is this flag a little different from last year, and what technical changes have occurred? A few jokes are made, and the obligatory photoshoot occurs. And then a horn blows and its under starter’s orders.

Pictured left, the 3rd and 13th fences are a crowd draw as the fields fill up. Newcomers marvel at the height, and veteran race attendees describe the course. Some are immensely knowledgeable, noting the slight uphill into the 3rd (closest).

Below, the riders and horses clear the 3rd fence. The race has only just begun at this point, and it is at this fence that the crowd gathers.

Racers, in order, below:
#3 - Vintage Vinnie ridden by Teddy Davies
#6 - Pocket Talk ridden by William Easterly
#8 - Preseli Rock ridden by Connor Hankin
#5 - Rocket Star Red ridden by Brett Owings
#2 - Sideling Hill ridden by George Daly
#1 - Goodoldtimes ridden by Colin Smith
#7 - Blackhall ridden by Eric Poretz
#4 - Le Chevalier ridden by McLane Hendriks

By the time the race reaches the 13th, usually a rider or two has exited the race, and the pace is accelerating. Even if the pack is stretched out, anything can happen. This year, the crowd was jubilantly cheering every rider and horse over the hurdle, thrilled at the excitement, and the jockeys were enjoying themselves. If you look carefully at Brett Owings hurdling over the 13th on Rocket Star Red (5), you can see a giant smile across his face once the landing is complete over 13. Similarly, Eric Poretz, after a slight shimmy crossing over, raised an arm after landing and the crowd yelled in appreciation.

Finishing this course in any position is an extraordinary achievement. Finishing it in record time is, obviously, without peer. With an equal shout for each finisher, the Maryland crowd welcomed each finisher across the wire, and circled around Vintage Vinnie to get a glimpse of the special.