From the Aiken Steeplechase Association press release on January 6, 2021 AIKEN, SC: With an abundance of caution and great concern for our community, the Aiken Steeplechase Association (a 501(c)3 charitable organization) is cancelling the Spring Steeplechase that was to be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Bruce’s Field. The Directors of the Aiken

Pete McGivney at the 2018 Far Hills Race Meeting. ©Tod Marks

Pete McGivney whose eclectic duties ranged from assistant racing secretary, office manager, and statistician to bookkeeper, steward’s secretary, and go-to IT guy, is retiring from the National Steeplechase Association staff after 30 years. Though he truly was a jack of all trades, McGivney, 67, held the actual title of general manager, with the primary role

Jack Fisher (©Tod Marks)

Jack Fisher, a record-setting trainer and a prominent member of the steeplechase community, has been re-elected president of the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation. Based in Monkton, Md., Fisher is continuing his role as president of the 501(c)3 non-profit after successfully navigating the organization through 2020. Fisher spear-headed the Foundation’s 2020 fundraising campaign to purchase new

Jonathan Sheppard and Truly Together at Saratoga in 2014. ©Tod Marks

The most celebrated and recognizable figure in American steeplechasing will dissolve his stable, but continue to manage his six-horse string in Ireland for a winter campaign. Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, the 26-time leading National Steeplechase Association conditioner who campaigned 15 Eclipse-award winners over hurdles and on the flat, announced his retirement today. Speaking

The end of 2020 is almost here and around the world, all one hears are choruses of “good riddance.” Certainly our sport of steeplechasing was negatively impacted when one looks at the numbers. Racing opportunities severely curtailed. Purses cut by 70%. Our jockey colony diminished by injury, sickness and immigration limitations. No spectators at most race meets that did run.

Baltimore Bucko (1) and Gerard Galligan duel Blanketontheground (right) and No Grey Area’s (rail) over the last in the BRC McMahon Reinforcements Rated Novice Hurdle at Limerick Racecourse Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan/Racing Post 29.12.2020

Making his long-awaited first start in Europe, Rod Moorhead’s Baltimore Bucko was beaten just two lengths in Tuesday’s Rated Novice Hurdle for four-year-olds and up at Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell, Ireland. “A very gallant third,” was how the track announcer described Baltimore Bucko’s performance under regular rider Gerard Galligan. Galligan kept the Jonathan Sheppard-trainee close