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| The Foxhall Farm Trophy Team Chase |
On October 30th, 1920, Renowned American sportsman,
Foxhall P. Keene, initiated a race over timber at his Monkton,
Maryland home, Foxhall Farm. Keene's intent was to
encourage participation in the sport.
The race was to be run by teams of three all regular
followers of a recognized hunt, and the four and one half
mile course, which consisted of over thirty fences and water
jumps was said to rival that of the Maryland Hunt Cup.
Among those riders who competed in that first running were
Ambrose Clarke and A.J. Devereux. The list of those who
officiated and attended reads like a "Who's Who" of
American timber, turf, and hunt elite and includes Samuel
D. Riddle, S. Lurman Stewart and John R. Valentine.
Spectators from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and
Virginia came by train, automobile and horse-drawn
conveyance.
Foxhall P. Keene, initiated a race over timber at his Monkton,
Maryland home, Foxhall Farm. Keene's intent was to
encourage participation in the sport.
The race was to be run by teams of three all regular
followers of a recognized hunt, and the four and one half
mile course, which consisted of over thirty fences and water
jumps was said to rival that of the Maryland Hunt Cup.
Among those riders who competed in that first running were
Ambrose Clarke and A.J. Devereux. The list of those who
officiated and attended reads like a "Who's Who" of
American timber, turf, and hunt elite and includes Samuel
D. Riddle, S. Lurman Stewart and John R. Valentine.
Spectators from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and
Virginia came by train, automobile and horse-drawn
conveyance.
To honor the winning team, Keene commissioned a challenge cup (above right) which was to be held by the victorious hunt until
the next renewal if the race. Of sterling silver, it is one of the most impressive trophies in the sport.
On March 12th, 2006, the Foxhall Farm Trophy Team Chase returned to its birthplace. A race course replicating as closely as
possible Foxhall Keene's original course was constructed for the event...see map below.
the next renewal if the race. Of sterling silver, it is one of the most impressive trophies in the sport.
On March 12th, 2006, the Foxhall Farm Trophy Team Chase returned to its birthplace. A race course replicating as closely as
possible Foxhall Keene's original course was constructed for the event...see map below.
| Despite a drenching rain here at the farm, we headed to Maryland with high hopes for sunshine and firm footing. We were pleasantly surprised to find that not only wasn't it raining, but the ground was dry and the course was in wonderful condition. The jumps were intimidating, but gorgeous, and the riders were fearless on their athletic steeds. Hunt teams galloped across the countryside in hopes of winning the coveted Foxhall Trophy. Enjoy the photos from the event, as Kelly, Cerah and Nichole joined Cindy in watching the ultimate in hunt team competition. |
| Click thumbnails below to view full-size photo |
These are HUGE jumps!