Hunt Cup 2023

The 2023 Hunt Cup distinguished itself by not getting rained on. Both the Manor Races and Grand National of previous weeks had rain delays while Saturday’s Hunt Cup was a somewhat cloudy but beautiful day. The field of horses and riders was a mix of Hunt Cup veterans and newcomers. The course itself was in good shape, and the green ground was still soft from early spring rains. A very good sized crowd emerged under the dappled cloud cover to take in the race, with no umbrellas necessary.

If I were to summarize the most descriptive word of the 2023 season - at least of the three meets I attended - it is ‘smile’. Literally rain or shine, and it was quite often rain, people were just so damn happy to be there. The allure of open spaces and the freedom offered in the guise of sporadic cell service clearly makes people happy, and you can see it so many of the images from this year’s races.

Above, the main barn (left) and father and son, jockey Frederick Tett, walking the course in preparation for the race. Below, Mike Wharton doing a stellar job ferrying the jockeys around the course, bets taken, the weigh-in, and Sam Robinson documenting the races on canvas.

Above, the jockeys make the hug and photo rounds before the race. I always try to make the pre-race briefing. Rule changes, course advisories, and some good advice is handed over to the protectors of the race, the jockeys who ride its hills and hurdles. Below, polishing the boots to match the saddle, laughs in an ATV, and the decidedly unglamorous 4x4 bed for the jockeys trip to the barn.

Above, Fence 3. Four foot nine inches. A slight uphill into the hurdle, and early in the race. A substantial two and half feet taller than the previous obstacle. The fence at 3/13 is a popular vantage. Those on the side of the 13th usually run, or make a quick trot, and are able to make it to the finish line for the first to cross.

Below, Fence 12. Nearly five feet tall. “A very under appreciated fence,” said one jockey. “A hard fence no one gives enough credit to,” said another.

After shooting the 3rd, I ran to the 12th in time for the second lap - but only crossing of this fence. Withoutmoreado, ridden by Conor Tierney, 3, went on to win, followed by Elizabeth Sculley on Royal Ruse, 5. Vintage Vinnie, ridden by Dan Nevin, 6, the pairing who won together two years ago, crossed 12 first but withdrew along the back stretch.

Second level below, Fence 22, the last of the hurdles before the finish.

Conor Tierney just won the 2023 Maryland Hunt Cup. That is a big deal, and that is a big smile.

Below left, Gregory Shelton takes it all in. His videos documenting Maryland Steeplechases can be found at Link >>> Poplar Hall. <<<<Link