MD Million Day - 10/19
Oct 12, 2013 12:39:25 GMT -5
Post by cait on Oct 12, 2013 12:39:25 GMT -5
many states have copied, proving a successful, great concept
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman
When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman - When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman - When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
marylandmillion.com/cms/
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman
When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman - When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
The King and I
By Daniel Tordjman - When I moved to Maryland this past summer, I knew I'd have plans on October 19th. The date means only one thing to people who follow horse racing in the state – it's Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park. This year will be my first time attending and I can hardly wait. I've always been intrigued by the event, which is as much a social experience as it is a great day of competitive racing.
What exactly sets it apart? As a newbie to the event, it would be hard for me to answer without some help. So, I went to a man who has attended every Maryland Million and has been referred to as "more Maryland than crab cakes!" My gracious tour guide also happens to be one of the greatest trainers of all-time, King Leatherbury.
"Preakness is our big national event," Leatherbury said, "but Million Day is really our big day here in Maryland."
The brainchild of sports journalist (and Maryland native), Jim McKay, and Maryland racing legend, Bill Boniface, Maryland Million Day is an annual celebration of the very best Maryland-sired horses. It can be extremely gratifying for breeders, owners and trainers alike. For Leatherbury, it's led to some incredible memories dating back to the inaugural Maryland Million Day in 1986.
"The very first year they had it, I jumped right in and happened to have two wins in the very first card," Leatherbury said. "What could be better than that?"
Oh, I don't know, perhaps winning the most Maryland Million races ever? Yep, Leatherbury owns the trainer win record with 10 victories - a small but precious portion of his 6,400 career wins.
"Besides the business part of it," said Leatherbury, "it goes down in the record books and... it adds to (my career) to have a record there."
The star of Leatherbury's barn, Ben's Cat, has won the Maryland Million Turf Sprint three years in a row. However, this year's card doesn't feature a turf sprint.
"See, you win a race for three years, they'll do away with the race," Leatherbury said, jokingly.
Despite there being no turf sprint on Maryland Million Day this year, Leatherbury told me Ben's Cat will still run in either the dirt sprint or turf mile. Those are two of seven exciting stakes races on the card with purses of $100,000 or more, highlighted by the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic.
Aside from the racing, there's also plenty to do at Laurel Park in between races.
"The atmosphere is better on that day," said Leatherbury. "It's really more of a social activity."
Activities planned for this year range from pony rides to my personal favorite, the Great Falls Vaulters – yes, they vault from moving horses! Don't forget the Party at the Park, the vendors and the Carolina BBQ food truck.
"There is a special excitement that day," Leatherbury told me. "That day, people come out who don't usually come out. Some of them will only come out once a year (for this)."
It certainly seems like there's a little something for everybody on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day. The King and I will both be there. Will you?
marylandmillion.com/cms/
