October 2024 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2024 Page 23 McDynamo to be Honored with Stakes at Far Hills National Steeplechase Association release Far Hills, the crown jew- el of American steeplechasing will again feature a seven race, all-stakes card, this year worth $700,000. Along with the familiar contests, anchored by the Grade 1 $250,000 American Grand National, the meet will showcase a unique new event named after Hall of Fame great McDynamo, a seven-time winner over the Moorland Farm course. The McDynamo stakes for maiden hurdlers four-years-old and up will be contested at 2 ⅛ miles, and has the potential to carry a total purse of $70,000, making it the richest contest for non-winners on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. A “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse will be added to the $50,000 guaranteed purse. As an added incentive, the Moran family, who campaigned the five-time Grand National winner who retired in 2007 as the sport’s earnings leader, will match the “sweepstakes ante” amount. Therefore, if there are 10 starters (the maximum limit), the total purse will be $70,000. "We have been meaning to honor McDynamo in some special way and this seemed like the right time, with a creative new concept that hopefully will carry on for years," said Far Hills chairman Guy Torsilieri. "McDynamo's record at Far Hills, which started with his maiden victory in 2001, fol- lowed by a novice score the next year, and then five consecutive Grand Nationals, is one of the most remarkable accomplish- ments in steeplechase history. The Moran's were pleased to hear about the new race and have generously contributed to the added-money stakes. It is going to be a special race, for a very special horse." The remainder of the card remains the same, with one exception: The Gladstone has been renamed and relocated to the Virginia Fall Races at Mid- dleburg on Oct. 12. Redubbed the Will O’Keefe Memorial, a three-year-old hurdle stakes, the $50,000 race will be run at 2 ⅛ miles. The race is a tribute to the beloved longtime voice of Virginia steeplechasing who died last December after a long illness. A racecaller for more than 40 years, O’Keefe was a member of the Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame and director of the Virgin- ia Fall Races. He also created racing’s Central Entry Office, a meticulous record-keeping database that tracks records of the sport’s unsanctioned point-to- point events. Besides the Grand National and McDynamo, the other races at Far Hills include the $50,000 Harry Harris for four-year-olds; the $100,000 Foxbrook Cham- pion for novice hurdlers; the $100,000 Peapack for fillies and mares; the $50,000 Appleton for horses rated at 130 or less; and the $100,000 John Forbes on the flat. The Far Hills meet will be held Saturday, October 19 in Far Hills, NJ. More information is at farhillsrace.org. The NSA's all-time leading earner and Hall of Famer McDynamo, who retired in 2007, returned to Mooreland Farm in Far Hills, NJ for a special ceremony celebrating his five consecutive wins in the American Grand National. Race chairman Guy Torsilieri doled out carrots while trainer Sanna Neilson looked on. Photo credit: Tod Marks Meyer Arenas’ footing and use premium sands in various colors. Whether it's an economy sand and stone blend or Grand Prix level fiber footing, they can meet your needs. If the footing in your current arena is freezing or not draining, they can offer remedi- ation geared to any budget. Payment plans are available, and a handy tool on their website allows you to search monthly payment plans without affecting your credit score. Meyer Arenas services the en- tire east coast from their location in Gap, Lancaster County, PA. Visit online at meyerarenas.com, email arenasandconstruction@ gmail.com, or phone (717) 917- 7213 to learn more. (Continued from page 20)