Joe Daviesfirst published in the November 2017 Equiery

When the committee feels it is appropriate, the Maryland Hunt Cup Association will select a member of the steeplechase community for the S. Bryce Wing trophy, to honor that individual’s outstanding contribution to Maryland timber racing, S. Bryce Wing was a member of the Maryland Hunt Cup Association from 1939 until his death at age 85 in 1975. Mr. Wing was Secretary of the Maryland Hunt Cup from 1956 to 1966 and also president of the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association (now the National Steeplechase Association) from 1948 to 1964. He was also a member of The Jockey Club and a Master of Foxhounds at Elkridge-Harford.

This fall, the Hunt Cup Association honored former timber rider Joseph G. Davies.

Davies was raised fox hunting with his mother Ellie and stepfather John Shapiro. It was during those years when Davies saw the strong connection between fox hunting and timber racing, and has been an active proponent of that relationship since the founding of the Maryland Steeplechase Association in the early 1990s.

Davies had a successful amateur riding career by winning many Maryland timber races, including three Maryland Hunt Cups (1998, 2000 & 2005). More recently, Davies has experienced success as a trainer with back-to-back Hunt Cup wins with Senior Senator (2016) and Derwins Prospector (2017). This feat was last accomplished by a mentor of Davies’, Tom Voss with 1998 winner Florida Law (ridden by Davies) & 1999 winner Welter Weight.

Davies ensures amateur timber racing continues by constantly looking for and developing riders from various disciplines, whether it be from fox hunting, eventing or show jumping – whether in the US or abroad, and through a variety of programs through the annual Governor’s Cup Series.
In April 2017, Davies embraced the opportunity to share Senior Senator’s positive and heartwarming Cinderella-story with the nation on 60 Minutes.

Additionally, Davies became a Joint Master with Elkridge-Harford in 2017.