Chesapeake Traditions Article Series: Off to the Races

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Sports

Celebrating the Storied History of Steeplechase Racing in Maryland

When Ben Nevis, a famous champion steeplechase horse ridden by Baltimore banker and amateur jockey Charlie Fenwick, Jr., won the English Grand National in 1980, the historic race proved that dreams can come true—despite the odds. Highly regarded for his achievements in steeplechase racing, Ben Nevis had an exceptional record. He was undefeated in the United States—winning all 12 of the races in which he competed, including the 1977 and ’78 Maryland Hunt Cups. However, he struggled significantly in England, where he lost 12 races.

Although Ben Nevis had been a strong contender in the English Grand National the previous year—due to his success in the United States and favorable ground conditions—he fell after a pileup involving several horses and didn’t complete the course. Undeterred by this frustrating and disappointing experience, Fenwick was determined to attempt the race one more time and returned to England in 1980.

Expectations for the race, including those of Ben Nevis’ trainer, Tim Forster, were low. But Ben Nevis, who was an underdog with 40-1 odds, rose to the occasion—winning the 1980 English Grand National by 20 lengths. Of the 30 starters, only four horses finished due to the very soft ground and standing water on the course—conditions that made the race especially difficult. The triumphant victory was a major upset and a true comeback story for Ben Nevis.  

“The key to this whole story is Jay Trump [a famous champion American steeplechase horse],” Fenwick says. “When he won the English Grand National in 1965, I was 17 years old and an aspiring steeplechase jockey. I knew the jockey, Tommy Smith. And Jay Trump’s trainer was my uncle. So, I was well aware of Jay Trump. When he went to England and won the race, I thought, ‘I can do that.’ And from that moment on, that thought was in the back of my mind. 

“When Ben Nevis won the English Grand National, it was a dream come true—just a wonderful experience. He gave us all such a thrill that day. It was a bit shocking. But when we reflected on what he had achieved in the past, we realized that we weren’t so shocked. The victory was Ben Nevis’ only win in England and a wonderful way to retire him. I think he wanted to go out on a high note.”  

Riding Ben Nevis to victory established Fenwick as a prominent amateur steeplechase jockey on the world stage and inspired future generations of amateur jockeys. Held annually at the Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England (near Liverpool), the race is regarded as “the ultimate test of horse and rider.” 

Not only did the monumental win earn Fenwick international acclaim, but it also shined a light on steeplechase racing in Maryland—showcasing its rich history and proud heritage. A native Marylander, Fenwick’s legendary success in England also served as a testament to the prestigious and challenging tradition of steeplechase racing in Maryland and the ability of amateur jockeys.

A Cherished Tradition

Like Fenwick, many Marylanders love the thrill of steeplechase racing, a beloved sport in which amateur jockeys and their horses jump over obstacles on rural countryside courses. Although the races may feature hurdles (obstacles consisting of a metal frame filled with artificial brush) or timber (solid, immovable wooden post-and-rail fences), timber racing is more popular and culturally significant in Maryland, which is renowned for its timber races. 

The inclusion of these timber fences, which can be up to five feet tall, adds a unique dynamic to steeplechase racing, and, for this reason, it is considered more challenging and demanding than flat track racing. While flat track racing focuses on speed and pacing, steeplechase racing requires an additional skill set, including not only speed but also jumping expertise, agility, and stamina.

“Steeplechase racing is unique in that the horse and jockey are asked to jump multiple fences over a distance of at least two miles and up to four-plus miles,” Fenwick says. “This adds another discipline to the sport of racing. Managing a horse in that environment requires the jockey to make the effort of jumping as smoothly and efficiently as possible as well as getting the horse to run with determination and courage.”

“Steeplechase horses must have the ability to jump, but they also have to want to jump,” adds Dan Baker, owner of champion steeplechase horse Road to Oz. “Some horses are better suited to flat track racing, so it’s important to let the horse guide you, show you his capabilities, and let you know what he wants to do.” 

Each spring, horse enthusiasts look forward to the start of the steeplechase race season with great anticipation. Although races also take place in the fall, spring is the peak season, and excited spectators gather together every year to enjoy the thrill of one of Maryland’s most cherished traditions as they socialize in a lively atmosphere, characterized by tailgating, picnicking, and fun for the entire family. 

In addition to the social aspect of the sport, another defining characteristic of steeplechase racing is its multigenerational family participation. Many family members pass down the tradition to the next generation—preserving its rich heritage. 

Furthermore, steeplechase racing supports philanthropic and land conservation efforts. Many steeplechase races are organized by nonprofit organizations, with the proceeds benefiting charitable causes. Private landowners also play a critical role in the tradition by allowing races to be held on their property.

Deep Historical Roots

According to the National Steeplechase Association (NSA), the official governing body and sanctioning authority for American steeplechase racing, based in Fair Hill, Maryland, steeplechase racing originated in Ireland in the mid-18th century, deriving its name from cross-country races from church steeple to church steeple, hence “steeplechase.” 

The arrival of horses in Maryland in the 1600s laid the foundation for the state’s rich equestrian history and contributed to the emergence of steeplechase racing, which dates back more than 100 years and traces its origins to fox hunting. The sport evolved from competitions between fox hunting clubs in Northern Baltimore County, and these informal rivalries ultimately led to the establishment of sanctioned timber races. Many organizations, such as hunt clubs, also host unsanctioned races, which are often referred to as point-to-point races.

Skip and Vicki Crawford, owners of Senior Senator, a famous champion steeplechase horse, were introduced to steeplechase racing through their involvement with the Potomac Hunt Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the tradition of foxchasing. 

“We were active in the club and volunteered at the Potomac Hunt Races, the club’s annual point-to-point steeplechase event,” Vicki says. “We loved the close-knit foxchasing community and the social aspect. Our volunteer work with the Potomac Hunt Club inspired us to become involved with steeplechase horses, and owning horses became a natural part of our lifestyle.”

In addition to the Potomac Hunt Club, the Maryland Steeplechase Association (MSA), a nonprofit organization that promotes and develops amateur equestrian sports, also continues to “[foster] traditional relationships between foxchasing and steeplechasing.” 

Maryland’s “Big Three”

According to Valleys Planning Council (thevpc.org), the first recognized steeplechase race was run at Pimlico, the home of the Preakness Stakes, on October 18, 1873, over a course built in the infield. This race contributed to the growth of steeplechase racing in Maryland and the establishment of prominent timber races, including the “Big Three.” 

These prestigious races include My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase, a three-mile race with 16 fences held in Monkton; the Grand National Steeplechase, a three-mile race with 18 fences held in Butler; and the Maryland Hunt Cup, a four-mile race with 22 fences held in Worthington Valley. 

Held annually on three consecutive Saturdays in April, all three legs of the “Big Three” are challenging. With their long distances and tall timber fences, the races represent the ultimate test of skill, stamina, and courage—for both amateur jockeys and horses. But the Maryland Hunt Cup is considered one of the most difficult and demanding steeplechase races in the world and the most challenging timber race in the United States. In fact, the race is often compared to the English Grand National.

Milestones and Memorable Moments

Winning the Maryland Hunt Cup is an extremely challenging feat that many owners, amateur jockeys, horses, and trainers never accomplish. So, when they win the race multiple times, it’s definitely a significant achievement and a source of pride. Seeing Senior Senator, who was trained by Joe and Blythe Davies and ridden by amateur jockey Eric Poretz, win the Maryland Hunt Cup three times (2016, 2018, and 2019) was truly an amazing experience for the Crawfords. 

As a result of this milestone, the Crawfords retired the prestigious Challenge Cup in 2019, making them the permanent owners of the trophy. According to the Maryland Hunt Cup conditions, this honor is bestowed upon owners whose horse wins the race three times. The victories do not have to be with the same horse or during consecutive years. The Crawfords are only the seventh owners to retire the Challenge Cup, based on official race records.

“Receiving this honor is truly phenomenal,” Vicki says. “When I look at the trophy, I ask myself, ‘How did we do it?’ It was so shocking, and it’s difficult to describe the feeling.”

Senior Senator’s ability to win the Maryland Hunt Cup three times is even more meaningful to the Crawfords because he suffered a severe neck injury when he fell during the race in 2017. The couple was distraught and thought that he would never race again. But Senior Senator proved his resilience—making a complete recovery and a remarkable comeback. He retuned to racing and went on to win the Maryland Hunt Cup in 2018 and 2019. 

“We made sure Senior Senator had the best veterinary care, and he recovered well,” Skip says. “He was very athletic, and he had great competitive spirit and high energy. Although he was considered a difficult horse, Joe and Blythe worked well with him and knew how to channel his ability. It was a perfect fit. Senior Senator was truly an amazing horse, a legend. And he wanted to win.”

In 2019, Senior Senator achieved another milestone in his historic career when he won the Grand National Steeplechase three consecutive times (2017, 2018, and 2019). As a result, the Crawfords retired the Grand National Challenge Cup—the same year that they retired the Maryland Hunt Cup Challenge Cup. 

Three Maryland Hunt Cup victories is a rare achievement, but winning the race for the first time is also an extremely exciting experience, as Dan Baker learned in 2025 when his horse, Road to Oz, trained by Mark and Rebecca Beecher and ridden by amateur jockey Conor Tierney, won the race. 

The victory is especially memorable for Baker because, at first, he didn’t realize that Oz had won. When Baker and his family and friends watch the race, they always go up to the top of the hill—except for the three times that they have had a horse in the race. Then they go down toward Tufton Avenue, which offers a good view of the jumps and a better sense of how the horses are doing.

“We were down in the field by Tufton Avenue, so we rushed over to the finish line,” Baker says. “When the horses went by us, Oz was moving up, but then we couldn’t see him. The race finished, and everyone was cheering. We thought that Oz had come in second place. But then we heard the announcer say, ‘The winner is Road to Oz.’ And our reaction was, ‘Oh my God! Oz won!’ So, I didn’t actually see him win until I watched the video.”

Although winning the Maryland Hunt Cup as an owner offers a different perspective than winning the race as a jockey, the experience is equally thrilling.

Before Fenwick made a name for himself at the English Grand National in 1980, he was a well-known amateur jockey in Maryland. He won the Maryland Hunt Cup twice (1977 and 1978) while riding Ben Nevis. In the 1978 race, Ben Nevis set a new course record. According to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in which Ben Nevis was inducted in 2009, Ben Nevis and Jay Trump are the only two horses to win both the English Grand National and the Maryland Hunt Cup. 

“My father-in-law bought Ben Nevis in England and brought him back to Maryland,” Fenwick explains. “I took over his care and training. Ben Nevis was a difficult horse in many ways, but he was also sweet and kind. After winning the Maryland Hunt Cup twice, he gave us all the signals we needed to take him abroad and try to accomplish what Jay Trump had done. And my dream of winning the English Grand National came true. I am very fortunate.”

Indeed, the personal experiences and success stories of Fenwick, the Crawfords, and Baker demonstrate the high caliber of steeplechase racing in Maryland—solidifying its status as a hub of world-class timber racing and inspiring future generations of the steeplechase community.

A Springtime Celebration

As winter departs, unleashing its grip on the region, steeplechase racing offers a fun way to usher in spring. Horse enthusiasts from all walks of life embrace Maryland’s rich equestrian history and marvel at the challenging courses—watching in awe as skilled amateur athletes and their courageous horses achieve breathtaking feats. Taking place in picturesque, countryside settings, steeplechase racing combines the competitiveness of a beloved sport with the celebratory culture of a community event. 

“It’s so rewarding to see a steeplechase horse develop, fulfill his potential, and win,” Baker says. “Since the steeplechase race season is relatively short, we cherish the opportunities to participate in the races. And when we win, it’s even more special.”

Spring Steeplechase Racing Schedule

*Maryland’s “Big Three”

March 28 – Green Spring Valley Hounds Point-to-Point, Cockeysville • gsvhounds.com

April 4 – Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point, Monkton • elkridgeharfordraces.com

*April 11 – My Lady’s Manor, Monkton • manorraces.com

April 12 – Mount Harmon Wicomico Hunt Point-to-Point, Earleville • mountharmon.org

*April 18 – Grand National Steeplechase, Butler • grandnationalsteeplechase.com

*April 25 – Maryland Hunt Cup, Reisterstown • marylandhuntcup.com

May 17 – Potomac Hunt Races, Poolesville • potomachuntraces.com