Monkton (My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase Meet)
Surface: Timber • Distance: 3 miles
Purse: $50,000
Eligibility: 5‑year‑olds & up • Amateur riders only
Scheduled Post Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Venue: My Lady’s Manor (Monkton, Maryland)
The My Lady’s Manor course in Monkton, MD is one of America’s most historic timber venues, known for:
Long galloping stretches
Large, solid timber fences
A premium on stamina, balance, and jumping efficiency
The 3‑mile timber configuration is a true endurance test, rewarding seasoned veterans and confident amateur riders.
Expected Weather & Track Conditions (Seasonal Projection)
While the entries do not include an official forecast, mid‑April in northern Maryland typically brings:
Temperatures in the mid‑50s to mid‑60s°F
Light spring breezes
Chance of scattered showers
Timber courses drain well, but moisture can make fences more demanding. Expect Good to Firm timber footing unless rain develops.
(Weather expectations are seasonal inferences, not official forecasts.)
Field Overview: 6 Declared Runners
All horses carry 165 lbs (older horses) and are ridden by NSA‑approved amateur riders.
Entries verified from BloodHorse, Equibase, and Horse Racing Nation.
Horse‑by‑Horse Analysis
PP #1 – Bob’s Bar (IRE)
Jockey: Elizabeth Scully • Trainer: Todd McKenna
Pedigree: Darsi (FR) – Kilcoltrim Society (IRE)
Age: 10‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 28 (HRN)
Morning Line: Not published (timber meets rarely publish ML odds)
A seasoned Irish‑bred timber veteran with proven staying power. McKenna is one of the most respected timber conditioners in the Mid‑Atlantic, and Scully is a capable amateur rider with strong jumping instincts. Bob’s Bar is battle‑tested, consistent, and should be forwardly placed early. A major contender if the pace is steady.
PP #2 – Road to Oz
Jockey: Dan Nevin • Trainer: Mark Beecher
Pedigree: Quality Road – Miz Magician
Age: 11‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 87 (HRN)
A classy, durable campaigner with strong timber credentials. Beecher is a former champion rider turned trainer, and Nevin is a confident amateur with excellent balance over timber. Road to Oz typically sits mid‑pack and grinds late—ideal for a 3‑mile test. A top‑three threat.
PP #3 – Bogey’s Image
Jockey: Teddy Davies • Trainer: Joseph G. Davies
Pedigree: Imagining – Casablanca Lily (IRE)
Age: 9‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 94 (HRN)
Davies‑trained timber horses are always dangerous at Monkton. Bogey’s Image brings strong recent form and a rider (Teddy Davies) who is among the most polished amateurs in the sport. His jumping is reliable, and his late stamina is excellent. A serious win candidate.
PP #4 – Animal Kingston
Jockey: Eric Poretz • Trainer: Neil R. Morris
Pedigree: Animal Kingdom – Private Dining
Age: 11‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 90 (HRN)
A tough, experienced timber horse with a strong partnership between Morris and Poretz. Animal Kingston stays all day and jumps cleanly. He may not have the flashiest turn of foot, but his consistency makes him a reliable board hitter.
PP #5 – The Butler Yates (IRE)
Jockey: Virginia Korrell • Trainer: Leslie F. Young
Pedigree: Yeats (IRE) – Kerry’s Girl (IRE)
Age: 9‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 88 (HRN)
From the powerful Leslie Young barn—one of the top steeplechase operations in the U.S. The Butler Yates is a strong jumper with European staying bloodlines. Korrell is a capable amateur rider who excels on long‑distance timber types. A live upset possibility.
PP #6 – Uco Valley (IRE)
Jockey: Darren Andrews • Trainer: Leslie F. Young
Pedigree: Vadamos (FR) – Musical Rain (IRE)
Age: 8‑year‑old gelding
Recent Form: Last‑out rating 92 (HRN)
Another Young trainee, Uco Valley is slightly younger and more athletic than many in this field. Andrews is a confident amateur with strong timber instincts. His recent form suggests he’s peaking at the right time. A major player if the pace is honest.
Projected Pace Scenario
Timber races rarely feature blistering early fractions, but:
Bob’s Bar (1) and Uco Valley (6) may show early initiative.
Bogey’s Image (3) and Animal Kingston (4) sit just behind.
Road to Oz (2) and The Butler Yates (5) settle mid‑pack and grind late.
Expect a steady, stamina‑testing pace, with the race decided over the final two fences.
Predicted Order of Finish
Bogey’s Image (PP3) – Best recent form + elite amateur rider
Uco Valley (PP6) – Improving + strong barn
Road to Oz (PP2) – Class and consistency
Bob’s Bar (PP1) – Reliable veteran with tactical speed
