The two most recent Maryland Hunt Cup winners and the timber champions of 2010 and 2011 are among the 23 early nominees to the 116th running of the historic Maryland Hunt Cup.
The four-mile race over timber fences in Glyndon on April 28 carries a $75,000 purse. The 23 early nominees took advantage of a $25 fee by March 13 to become eligible for the Hunt Cup. Supplementary fees are $500 when entries are taken on April 24.
The early nominations were instituted this by Maryland Hunt Cup officials, led by Racing Secretary Sherlock S. Gillet Jr., to develop greater interest in the historic race. The early nominees will be identified in the programs of Maryland’s other timber classics, the My Lady’s Manor on April 14 and the Grand National on April 21.
Among those signing up were 2010 winner Twill Do and last year’s victor, Private Attack. Also taking advantage of the early nominations were 2010 timber champion Bubble Economy, who missed last year’s racing season, and Bon Caddo, who edged Private Attack for last year’s timber title.
The 23 early nominees, in alphabetical order, are: And The Eagle Flys, Battle Op, Bon Caddo, Brands Hatch, Bubble Economy, Delta Park, Fort Henry, Foyle, Haddix, Hold Your Fire, Justpourit, Major Malibu, Monte Bianco, More Fascination, Private Attack, Professor Maxwell, Prospectors Strike, Scuba Steve, Shiny Emblem, Twill Do, Vinnie Boy, Voler Bar Nuit, and Volle Nolle. All starters will carry 165 pounds.