Manor Races 2024

This year’s Manor Races took place on a windy day, clouds sliding across the blue sky, with a touch of a chill when the sun was obscured. The night before, at the Manor Calcutta, we auctioned off a photo from the 2023 Manor Races to benefit the Manor Conservancy which helps support land preservation in the surrounding area for all to enjoy the open spaces. There had been some rain around during the week, but it’s hard to have had better conditions, although as I ran around without a jacket I was asked repeatedly if I was cold (yes).

Ordinarily all of my images are black and white, but this one screamed color to me. The darkened background, brilliant silks, and beautiful horse vignetted by the sun called for a different treatment. As I recall, the clouds broke about two seconds before the horse reached the fence, and closed right back up after they passed.

As with every year, the barn is full of bustle and life, below one of the horses takes in the scenery. Classic Land Rovers are a must at any race, as are the pre-race meetings. Of course, the Manor Races also begin with some ponies, and the very young riders get their first glimpse of fame under the lights and pressure of the equestrian media scene!

2024 My Lady’s Manor, Fence #4

I have stationed myself at the fourth fence for each My Lady’s Manor race since 2019, where Maryanna Skowronski is the Patrol Judge. We can barely see the race tower, and when the wind is blowing away, we may not know the race has begun until the horses appear over the undulating field.

#1 Road to Oz ridden by Brett Owings

#2 Our Friend ridden by Teddy Davies

#3 Royal Ruse ridden by Dan Nevin

#4 Include It ridden by Elizabeth Scully

#5 Salamanca School ridden by Freddie Proctor

Second Race - John Rush Street Memorial Steeplechase, Sixth Fence

Third Race - The Thomas H. Voss Memorial Maiden Timber

The third race is a sprint - for me. Starting at Fence 3 I wait for the horses and riders to cross, then run up to the 8th, and then the 15th. It’s all uphill and I am no longer 18. But it’s generally worth it! On the first set on the third fence, I discovered after the fact that I had mis-judged the exposure in the bright sun, so the clarity of the images is not what it should be, but it was still a great run. I am also unsure if I got all the riders correct - For the #1 horse - I believe - it is Brett Owings atop Hero's Return, but the colors do not align with the program - if anyone can help me correct anything, please do.

Fourth Race - The Thomas H. Voss Memorial Maiden Timber

#1 - Wagner, Teddy Davies
#2 - Island Nation, Elizabeth Scully
#3 - Don’t Shout, Virginia Korell
#4 - Potus, Whitney Schweizer
#5 - Ping Pong Champ, Ben Sullivan - his first Maryland timber race!
#6 - Blackhall, Theresa Dimpfel
#7 - Animal Kingdom, Dan Nevin
#8 - Mekong, Brett Owings

Fifth Race - John D. Schapiro Memorial Steeplechase