Facing necessary repairs to the three new infield arenas, members of the Board of Directors of the Fair Hill Foundation have made the decision to cancel the 86th running of the Fair Hill Races in Spring 2022.
“Of course, we are disappointed the Races won't be run this Memorial Day weekend,” Fair Hill Foundation President Charles C. Fenwick, Jr. said. “Major work is required in the infield show arenas this summer in order to ensure they will be ready for the second annual Maryland 5 Star in October, and it is thought that construction should begin before Memorial Day.”
The new turf track, finished in summer 2019, has been realigned to feature a sophisticated irrigation and rail system and banked, wider turns for the safety of the horses. “Hopefully both flat and steeplechase racing can resume in 2023,” Fenwick continued.
“Ensuring the facilities are safe and secure for the Maryland 5 Star in October will require trucks to cross the track, making it impossible to race while that work is taking place. Safety for our horses and riders is our paramount concern, and we appreciate the patience of our owners, trainers and fans as we deal with these not-uncommon issues in new construction,” he concluded.
The Fair Hill Races continue a grand tradition dating from 1934 when William du Pont, Jr. envisioned a place to give American horses the experience they would need to compete in the English Grand National at Aintree – considered the international pinnacle of steeplechasing.
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