Steeplechase Racing Steeplechasing has a long history in Maryland. The first recognized steeplechase race was run at Pimlico on October 18, 1873 over a course built in the infield. North of Pimlico in Baltimore County, steeplechase races rose from competition between various fox hunting clubs. Although hounds were brought to Maryland in 1650 by Robert Brooke of Hampshire, England, the first Maryland Hunt Cup was not run until 1894. Steeplechasing has not changed much since those early days. The races are still run on fine, warm spring days over similar courses with an audience of horse-lovers and race fans alike. For information on the races, tickets and how to enjoy this Maryland tradition see www.MarylandSteeplechasing.com.

The Foxhall Farm Team Trophy, March 14, Post Time 1pm. new location at the The Green Spring Valley Hounds Hunt Club, 13920 Mantua Mill Rd., Glyndon MD 21071. Free admission.

Howard County - Iron Bridge Race Meet, March 20th, Pleasant Prospect Farm in western Howard County, Timber Racing, Pony Racing, Tailgate Picnics, Family Fun. Gates open at 10am, post time is 12:30pm. This year's race meet provides an expansive setting for this year’s point-to-point, offering several ways for spectators to enjoy the races.
Tailgating Competition: Be it a basket of fried chicken set out on the truck tailgate or a spread featuring beautiful linens and silver, tailgating at the races is the most traditional and authentic way to enjoy the day. At high noon, the cut-throat tailgate competition brings out the chef in even the most domestically challenged race-patron. Winners are awarded prizes for creativity, presentation and cuisine quality. Tailgate Passes are $100 for "Subscriber" spaces or $300 for "Preferred Patrons," which put you in the thick of the action. See website for details.
Luncheon Pavilion
Howard County-Iron Bridge features a subscription gourmet luncheon and bar in a heated tent with all the excitement of the race course infield and the opportunity to view the races from a special vantage point. Tickets are $200 per person and include valet parking; See website for details.
General Parking
If you just want to come and check out the scene and tailgate hop, general parking tickets are $25 and are available on the day of the meet (cash only at the gate). You may also pre-purchase tickets via Mastercard or Visa, please contact 410-489-7662 or
Julia.HaynerBeall@purina.nestle.com.

Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point, March 27, Shawan Downs, 1401 Shawan Road
Cockeysville, Maryland 21030. Gates open at 11:30am, races start at 12:30pm. The day featured pony races, a junior and a senior field master's chase and several timber races. A Post-Race Reception immediately followed the last race. The Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point is a fun afternoon and a great way to spend the day in the country. Proceeds from the event benefit the Green Spring Valley Hounds. Admission options include Finish Line Box for $275 per box. Enjoy the day at the races in your reserved, open air box, just feet from the finish line! Founders Hill Parking is $150 per space. Enjoy your own tailgate picnic and a day of racing in a reserved space on the Founders Hill plateau overlooking the entire race course. Subscriber Parking is $50 per car. No additional admission is required for the event. See website for details.

The Elkridge-Harford Point-To-Point, April 3, Atlanta Hall Farm, Pocock Rd. Monkton, MD. Gates open at 12pm, post time 1:30pm. This has been a testing ground for the country's best timber horses for over fifty years. Seven races will be run. With more timber horses in training than ever before and an extremely competitive group of junior riders, this promises to be a great day of sport. Admission is $200, $100 or $50 per car. See website for details. Pit beef and beverages will be available during the races.

Marlborough Hunt Races, April 11 at Roedown, 3856 Wayson Rd., Davidsonville, MD 21035. Gates open at 10am, post time 12pm. Races run rain or shine. Please no pets. The rolling meadows of the historic Davidsonville farm provide a spectacular backdrop for point-to-point racing and the colorful festivities that traditionally herald the start of spring and promises to be a day to remember for owners, riders and the more than 5,000 faithful who flock to Roedown come rain or shine. The weather may be unpredictable but it’s a sure bet that both the on-track and tailgate contests will be as competitive as ever. The ten-race card is expected to attract around 120 entries. Up on the hill, judges will have a hard time separating the wheat from the chaff as tailgaters vie for top honors in five separate categories. There is also a ladies’ hat contest. For ticket prices see the website.

The My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase Races, Saturday, April 10, Jarrettsville Pike  (MD 146) and Pocock Road, Monkton MD. Gates open at 10:00 am. The My Lady’s Manor Steeplechases  celebrate 100 years, featuring  four steeplechase races and the Governor’s Cup Inter-Hunt Challenge Relay. The day begins at 10am with the live bluegrass music of Manor Grass (in partnership with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Maryland Chapter). Food and merchandise will be available for purchase at the many vendor tents. Tickets are  $50 for General parking passes, $70 for Family parking passes, $200 for Subscribers parking (parking on the course and admission for two to the winners’ reception at Ladew Topiary Gardens following  the races).  All tickets can be purchased through www.MarylandSteeplechasing.com or through Ladew Topiary Gardens (410) 557-9570 x224 (from 8am to 4pm weekdays). General and Family parking passes are available at the gate the day of the race, and at participating providers. This is a rain or shine event.

Additional steeplechase racing includes:
Maryland Grand National, April 17
Maryland Hunt Cup, April 24
Maryland Junior Hunt Cup, April 25
Potomac Hunt Races, May 16
See the website for more information and updates.