MHIB Chair Jim Steele presenting Foyle's TOC award to Charles Nowell of Merriefield Farm

MHIB Chair Jim Steele presenting Foyle’s TOC award to Charles Nowell of Merriefield Farm

March 29 marked the start of the spring steeplechase racing season in Maryland with the Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point taking place at Shawan Downs in Cockeysville. During the race meet, five steeplechase greats were honored with Touch of Class awards through the Maryland Horse Industry Board. MHIB Chair Jim Steele was on hand to present the awards. Jockey Mark Beecher (Baltimore County) was honored for his championship 2013 season as the top National Steeplechase Association amateur jockey. Merriefield Farm’s Foyle was honored for being named NSA’s Champion Timber Horse of the Year. He is trained by Bruce Fenwick (Baltimore County). Irv Naylor (Baltimore County) was honored for second time for being NSA Champion Timber Owner. Jack Fisher (Baltimore County) was not present at Green Spring but was also honored as being the NSA champion steeplechase trainer. Finally, Marilyn and Karry Ketts, owners of At Last Farm in Aquasco (Prince George’s County) represented the Maryland-bred Tuscalee, who was recently inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame. Marilyn’s father Al Smith owned Tuscalee.

To read more about Tuscalee, click here.

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Champion jockey Mark Beecher with MHIB Chair Jim Steele

Champion jockey Mark Beecher with MHIB Chair Jim Steele

Marilyn and Karry Ketts representing Al Smith's Tuscalee

Marilyn and Karry Ketts representing Al Smith’s Tuscalee with MHIB Chair Jim Steele

MHIB Chair Jim Steele and TOC winner Irv Naylor

MHIB Chair Jim Steele and TOC winner Irv Naylor