Greg Cole, Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development; Pat McMillan, Maryland Department of Agriculture; Tom Chuckas, Maryland Jockey Club; Ashley Valis, Office of the Governor; Kathleen Tabor, MHIB Board Member; Bev Raymond, MHIB Board Member; Jenn Patterson, Orb’s caretaker accepting award; and Jim Steele, MHIB Chairman. Don’t forget photo credit to Jerry D. at MJC.
The headline-makers for 2013 Maryland Million:
Sylvia E. Heft’s Eighttofasttocatch led from start to finish and won the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic for the second time in the past three years
Richard F. Blue’s Tooth and Claw was the last one on the scene, rallying from last to win the $50,000 Maryland Million Starter Handicap at Laurel Park.
Ellendale Racing’s Roadhog caught even money favorite Ben’s Cat in the final jumps to repeat as winner of the $125,000 Maryland Million Turf.
If you missed the action, click here to read all about these and the other race winners, and see tons of fabulous photos.
In the meantime, there was another winners’ circle presentation. Stuart S. Janney III, the Baltimore County resident whose horse, Orb, won the 2013 Kentucky Derby, received the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s October Touch of Class Award.. Jenn Patterson, Orb’s exercise rider and chief caretaker, accepted the award on Janney’s behalf. Patterson manages a string of horses, including Orb, who are stabled at Maryland’s Fair Hill Training Center and are owned by Janney and his cousin, Ogden Phipps.
“It is fitting that we present this award to Stuart at the Maryland Million since he is a former president of the organization,” said Jim Steele, who is chairman of both the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the executive committee of the Maryland Million.
Orb won four straight races leading up to his victory in the Kentucky Derby and has compiled earnings of $2.6 million. He catapulted Janney and Maryland into the national spotlight and helped draw a near record crowd to the 138th running of the Preakness. Although he finished a disappointing fourth in the Pimlico race, Orb had the fortitude to compete in all three Triple Crown events, subsequently finishing third in the Belmont Stakes.
Also during the Touch of Class Award presentation, two Agriculture Secretary Citations were presented. The first was presented to the Maryland Pony Breeders, Inc. in recognition of its 60th Anniversary. It is the oldest pony breeder organization in the country and is dedicated to the promotion of all pony breeds and disciplines. The second was awarded to the Retired Racehorse Training Project which brought a new national event, the Thoroughbred Makeover & National Symposium, to Maryland. The event drew nearly 1,000 spectators to watch demonstrations of 51 retired racehorses from the barns of 26 trainers in 15 states to Pimlico Race Course. The project showcases the second careers of Thoroughbreds racers.
Each month, the Maryland Horse Industry Board recognizes Maryland people and horses who have achieved national and international recognition. Although Janney also lives and works in New York, his main residence is at Locust Hill Farm in Glyndon.
Holly Robinson Recognized
Also entering the winners’ circle that day was Catherine H. Robinson, the recipient of the inaugural Joe Kelly Unsung Hero award. Better known as Holly, she has been involved with Thoroughbred horses since she was a teenager and went to work for Mikey Smithwick on his farm in Hydes, Md.
Since that time she has worked for some notable Maryland personalities including Tom Voss and Dr. Irvin Frock. She went on to work for Roger Attfield as an assistant trainer for many years, but ultimately returned to Maryland to train on her own.
Holly has been a mentor to many young people who want the opportunity to learn about the horse business. Perhaps the most notable is Rosie Napravnik, who spent time with Holly during her time at Hereford High School as she was dedicating herself to being a successful jockey. Rosie has realized that dream, and Holly has continued to support and advise many others behind the scenes.
“If there is ever a stray dog, cat or bird, everyone calls Holly to the rescue,” says Ann Merryman, long-time friend and business partner. “Holly is generous with her time and support – and is a great role model and friend.”
Holly has been selected this year to be recognized as an Unsung Hero because, though known to a few, her efforts can now be applauded by many.
