Maryland Hunt Cup 2017

[Flatterer]

Ten started and only two finished.

Senior Senator arrived at the paddock washed out and annoyed with the large crowd. He reared up several times and appeared distracted before jockey Poretz climbed aboard. Senior Senator settled while jogging to the start but after the starting flag dropped, furiously tossed his head while Poretz held him behind 6 runners at a pedestrian pace. Watching the runners in front of him instead of the 3rd fence, Senior Senator did a face plant after the fence throwing Poretz hard to the ground. Both were ok, but Senior Senator suffered his first DNF in 10 timber races.

Half the field fell or refused at the next 2 fences, leaving 4 runners with 3 miles and 14 fences to negotiate.

Our Town was the next faller leaving Old Timer, Drift Society and Derwins Prospector to jump the last 10 fences.

Old Timer flew over the 19th fence opening up 5 lengths and appeared the best of the remaining runners. Jockey McLane Hendricks told me he had plenty of horse left, but at the 21st fence Old Timer propped and McLane was already over Old Timer's withers, tumbled over Old Timer's neck and was out of the race. Both horse and rider were ok.

Drift Society was in front at the last but Derwins Prospector closed and won by 3/4 of a length.

Derwins Prospector's lifetime earnings increased to $81,000 with the $60,000 winner’s purse.

All horses and jockeys were not injured despite some nasty falls.

Here is a link to the race video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNjk5ndlrY8

My next stop is Winterthur Sunday May 7th just north of Wilmington, DE. The following Sunday is Mother’s Day May 14 at Willowdale where I’ll play The National Anthem on my trumpet and serve as Official Timer of the races.

Good Luck in the Kentucky Derby and at all the races!