Venue: Worthington Farms, Glyndon, Maryland (timber course)
Distance: 4 miles over timber (22 fences, 4′ to 4’10” high)
Purse: $100,000 Guaranteed
Conditions: The 129th Running of the Maryland Hunt Cup – Amateur Timber Stakes for 5-year-olds and upward (5YOs 160 lbs., older 165 lbs.); owners, horses, and amateur riders acceptable to the Race Committee; riders must hold current NSA amateur declaration.
Scheduled Post Time: 4:00 PM ET (gates open ~11:00 AM ET; Tufton Avenue closes to traffic at 3:00 PM ET)
Expected Weather Conditions (Glyndon/Reisterstown, MD area):
Mild spring day with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s°F (around 58–65°F by post time) and lows near 44–52°F overnight. Partly to mostly cloudy with a 40–60% chance of scattered showers or light rain possible, mainly in the afternoon/early evening; winds light WSW 5–10 mph. No heavy precipitation or thunderstorms expected, but the course could see some additional moisture on top of the light rain received earlier in the week.
Expected Track Conditions: Good to average-wet timber/turf. The course was inspected April 20 and described as smooth (aerated, Cambridge-rolled, mowed), with compaction averaging “Good” (111.25) and moisture in the “Average Wet” range (avg. 8.25). Recent light rain (0.4 inches on April 19) and possible race-day showers will test jumping accuracy and stamina over the demanding 4-mile layout.
This is the iconic 129th Maryland Hunt Cup – America’s oldest and most prestigious timber steeplechase, a true test of endurance, jumping, and horsemanship over Worthington Farms’ historic course. The 10-horse field features a stellar rematch between defending champion Road to Oz (2025 winner) and two-time placer/past winner Withoutmoreado (2023 winner), plus proven performers like Shootist and Royal Ruse. All carry 165 lbs. with amateur riders. Expect a tactical, attritional race where clean jumping and fitness over the stiff fences will decide the outcome.
Full Field with Post Positions, Jockeys, and Trainers
| PP | Horse | Age/Sex | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds |
| 1 | Shootist (L) | 12/G | Elizabeth Scully | Todd McKenna | N/A |
| 2 | Road to Oz (L) | 11/G | Dan Nevin | Mark Beecher | N/A |
| 3 | Royal Ruse (L) | 12/G | James Wyatt | Sanna Neilson | N/A |
| 4 | Monbeg Stream (IRE) (L) | 10/G | Paddy Barlow | Leslie F. Young | N/A |
| 5 | Mr. Fine Threads (L) | 13/G | Charlie Marshall | Joseph Davies | N/A |
| 6 | Great Road (L) | 11/G | Chelsea Secor | Joseph G. Davies | N/A |
| 7 | Storm Team (L) | 12/G | Dara McGill | William Dowling | N/A |
| 8 | Animal Kingston (L) | 11/G | Eric Poretz | Neil R. Morris | N/A |
| 9 | The Butler Yates (IRE) (L) | 9/G | Virginia Korrell | Leslie F. Young | N/A |
| 10 | Withoutmoreado (IRE) (L) | 12/G | Teddy Davies | Katherine Neilson | N/A |
Equipment Notes: Blinkers on Great Road; cheek piece on Mr. Fine Threads. All horses listed with (L) for lasix where applicable per overnight.
Analysis of Each Horse (including recent Hunt Cup finishes and key form notes):
PP 1 – Shootist (12/G, Elizabeth Scully, Todd McKenna)
Consistent veteran with a strong Hunt Cup record: 2nd in 2024 and 4th in 2023. Owner Upland Partners and trainer McKenna have prepared him well for another crack at the big one. Scully is a capable amateur rider. Forwardly placed style from the rail could suit if he jumps cleanly—live contender and a logical exotic key.
PP 2 – Road to Oz (11/G, Dan Nevin, Mark Beecher)
Defending champion (2025 winner over Withoutmoreado). Beecher trainee with proven course affinity and a come-from-behind kick that shone last year. Nevin retains the ride. One of the top choices on recent form and the likely pace stalker to beat in a rematch scenario.
PP 3 – Royal Ruse (12/G, James Wyatt, Sanna Neilson)
Multiple Hunt Cup placer: 2nd in 2023, lost rider in 2024. The Neilson barn (long-time Hunt Cup powerhouse) and owner Fenwick family know this race inside out. Wyatt is experienced; tactical speed makes him dangerous if he stays upright over the 22 fences.
PP 4 – Monbeg Stream (IRE) (10/G, Paddy Barlow, Leslie F. Young)
Finished 4th in last year’s renewal. Irish-bred import trained by Leslie Young (hot barn with multiple entries). Barlow aboard; has the scope and stamina for the distance. Solid mid-pack type who could improve with a clear trip.
PP 5 – Mr. Fine Threads (13/G, Charlie Marshall, Joseph Davies)
13-year-old veteran who fell last year but has shown durability in prior timber races. Davies trainee with cheek piece on; Marshall knows the course. Longshot who could surprise if the top contenders tire or make mistakes late.
PP 6 – Great Road (11/G, Chelsea Secor, Joseph G. Davies)
Fell in last year’s Hunt Cup but has local form. Blinkers on for the first time; Davies second string with Secor riding. Tactical closer who will benefit from any early attrition—live longshot value in exotics.
PP 7 – Storm Team (12/G, Dara McGill, William Dowling)
First-time Hunt Cup starter but with solid timber experience. Dowling and McGill team; expect a mid-pack trip. Needs a career-best effort and clean jumping to factor against proven course specialists.
PP 8 – Animal Kingston (11/G, Eric Poretz, Neil R. Morris)
Another first-time entrant with respectable recent timber placings. Morris trainee (strong local connections); Poretz aboard. Outside post is no issue in this wide-open layout; could improve as a deep closer.
PP 9 – The Butler Yates (IRE) (9/G, Virginia Korrell, Leslie F. Young)
Youngest in the field and another first-timer for the Young barn (which also sends Monbeg Stream). Korrell riding; Irish pedigree suggests stamina. Promising but unproven over these exact fences—best as an underneath exotic play.
PP 10 – Withoutmoreado (IRE) (12/G, Teddy Davies, Katherine Neilson)
2023 winner; finished 2nd in 2025 (after losing rider in 2024). Neilson trainee with explosive closing ability and course love. Davies retains the mount. The other half of the marquee rematch and a major threat to regain the trophy.
