April 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2023 Page 29 “This disappointing news makes the prospects for racing this year virtually impossible, and most likely the same is true for any train- ing on the turf course,” Fenwick said. “We must persevere, howev- er, and cannot give up. We are the primary advocate for that racing surface, and therefore it is our re- sponsibility to continue to work to bring back racing and training. We are grateful to our donors and feel the frustration of racing enthusiasts with the lack of progress.” The Foundation, responsi- ble for raising private funds for the property and its continued improvement, and its representa- tives will continue working with Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials to create a plan to allow racing and training. The most recent race meet hap- pened in 2019. Two limited but successful training sessions were held on the course in 2020. The Maryland Five Star is scheduled for its third renewal Oct. 19-22. Founded by William du Pont Jr. in the 1920s, the Fair Hill prop- erty carded its first races in 1934 and was long an important stop on the nation’s steeplechase circuit – hosting the Foxcatcher National Steeplechase over a course com- pared to the English Grand National at Aintree, showcasing the historic American Grand National Stakes for several years and putting on four runnings of the Breeders’ Cup Stee- plechase in the 1980s and 1990s. Purchased by the State in 1975, Fair Hill has hosted numerous stars of American and international jump racing includingAmerican Hall of Fame steeplechasers Ben Nevis II, Café Prince, Flatterer, Lonesome Glory, Tuscalee and Zaccio. Return of the Fair Hill Races Still on Hold (Continued from page 28) COMING IN THE MAY ISSUE! To advertise call (717) 509-9800 or visit eastcoastequestrian.net/advertising_info.php The Devon Horse Show Preview!