Incomplete, ridden by Joey Elliott, won his second My Lady's Manor timber race Saturday as the first race in the Maryland Triple Crown of steeplechase drew thousands to Monkton.
Owned by Robert A. Kinsley and trained locally by Ann D. Stewart, the 11-year-old bred by Press Card, also prevailed at My Lady's Manor in 2009. He finished the three-mile course in 5:58. and held off three-time timber champion Bubble Economy, the runnerup.
Bon Caddo, winner at My Lady's last year, took third.
"[Elliott] did what the horse wanted to do," Stewart said. "I can hardly believe it."
In the John Rush Street Memorial, William Meister took first place riding Any Key, followed by Jackson Roberts on Catch the Echo and James Slater on Voler Bar Nuit.
Woodmont, ridden by Mary Motion won the John D. Schapiro Memorial, with Mark Beecher on Grinding Speed in second place and Jackson Roberts on Brands Hatch in third. Finishing in five minutes and 59 seconds, Woodmont broke the 2002 race record of 6:15.
Saturday's weather was a change from last year's rainy affair, and people from across the state — and beyond — came to enjoy what is as much of a social gathering as it is a sporting event.
Along with live bluegrass music, the My Lady's Manor also featured tailgating, vendors and food. It also attracted many families, some of whom have been coming for years.
Cousins Megan Sullivan, of Jarrettsville, and Michelle Casler, of Dublin, have been coming to the event since they were young.
"We both ride, so we're into horses," Sullivan said, adding they both have farms.
The My Lady's Manor also provided an opportunity for Jarrettsville Veterinary Center owner Krista Magnifico, of Delta, to connect with clients and friends. Jarrettsville Veterinary Center was also one of the event's sponsors.
"It's a great place for us to very informally socialize with our clients and our friends," she said.
Magnifico was with fellow veterinarian Courtney Breen, of Jarrettsville, who came with her husband, Matthew Breen, and their 18-month-old son Hunter. It was Matthew Breen's first time, but Magnifico and Courtney Breen had been before.
As Hunter toddled around, Courtney Breen said she was enjoying the day, calling it a "kid-friendly" place.
"He's having a good time," she said. "He's liking all of the tractors."
Retired Army Col. Lou Murray Jr., of Selbyville, Del., was enjoying the day with his son, Lou Murray, who lives nearby in Jarrettsville. For Lou Murray, the My Lady's Manor was about enjoying the "atmosphere" and weather with friends. They have come several times before, he said, and enjoy the camaraderie and the sport.
Ed Harbin has been coming with his wife Pam for years and had attended the race before it was held at the property on Route 146 at Pocock Road, which he said was 40 years ago. For them, the My Lady's Manor was an opportunity to socialize, as well as experience the races.
"It's a nice social event," Ed Harbin said, "and you see people you haven't seen for the past year."
The last steeplechase racing event Heather Carson watched was in Ireland, she said, and she wanted to come to the My Lady's Manor in part because of the fixed fences aspect of the race. She was the self-professed "horse person" in her group, which included her husband, Tom Larson, and friends, Jen Hill and Emilio Ortiz, all from Baltimore.
It has become a tradition for Kariste Holler, of Perry Hall, and Lynn Kendrick, of Phoenix, who have been coming every year. For Holler, that's 10 years, on and off; Kendrick said she has been coming for 20 years. Because she lives locally, Kendrick said she wanted to support the community as well as experience the "wonderful view."
"I like the excitement," Kendrick said. "It's a great day to be outside."
Kent Baker contributed to this article.
