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Spring in Maryland (Horses, Courses, and Natural Resources,) Part II

COURSES -- Spring is also when golf season in Maryland resumes in earnest. One of the most famous courses in the state will be getting international attention this year when the US Open takes place at the Congressional Country Club.

But you don’t need to be on the PGA circuit to enjoy a good round of golf in Maryland.  If you check our data base, you’ll find facilities throughout the state, along with websites and other contact information.

Many of the courses are located at resorts and conference centers where they can be a part of a weekend getaway, convention, or business trip. Maryland’s many military posts also have courses available to armed service personnel.

Maryland has hosted other memorable tournaments at top flight courses over the years. The Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship was held at the Baltimore Country Club. The Women’s LPGA was in Bulle Rock in Harford County.

But golf is not the only sport with active courses in the spring. The motor sports parks of Maryland begin their seasons in the spring. Every weekend, from Western Maryland to St. Mary’s County and over to the Eastern Shore, you can find a race series going on.

For links to these courses, check our data base.

One venue that hosts a number of national and televised events is Maryland International Raceway in the Budds Creek triangle of St. Mary’s County. MIR will be part of the Muscle Car Nationals in early June.

Of course, staging one of the quirkiest contests on the national motorsports circuit is the National Lawn Mower Racing Association, who held their 17th anniversary race on April 1st at Potomac Speedway in Budds Creek. Lawn mower racers compete for bragging rights, glory, and a garden gnome trophy.

Established on April 1, 1992, the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association is the nation’s oldest and largest national lawn mower racing sanctioning body. Its 21-race STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series and network of 50 Local Clubs hosts more than 140 sanctioned races in 37 states.

The Mow Down Show Down was actually a weekend of fun family activities and races for all ages.  And because Fox Sports Network was taping, you still have a chance to see it.

So we've done horses and courses as spring suggestions.  Next we'll look at what's happening this spring in Maryland's beautiful parks, rivers, and bay -- our natural resources.

Maryland in the Winner's Circle

Nearly 165,000 attended the Kentucky Derby yesterday.  It was a record crowd for a thrilling horse race on a beautiful day.  And when the chestnut colt trotted to the Winner's Circle for his blanket of roses, there were cheers all around the State of Maryland.  For although Animal Kingdom was born and bred elsewhere, he has spent his career living and training at Fair Hill.

His trainer, Graham Motion, is a native of Great Britain, but earned his reputation over twenty years of training in Laurel, Bowie and Fair Hill.  Just last November, he saddled Shared Account, the two year old filly who won the Breeders Cup turf event for Sagamore Farm in Glyndon.

The Maryland connection is a major boost for interest in the Preakness Stakes, and in the greater Maryland horse industry.  Part of the romance and great passion for thoroughbred horse racing comes from the compelling stories that surround the athletes (those with hooves and those wearing silks) and their teams. 

Animal Kingdom, an understudy who had never run a dirt track, stepped up when stablemate and favorite Toby's Corner turned lame.  Even AK's jockey had some bad luck, breaking a nose when tossed in an earlier race.  But despite the handicaps, Animal Kingdom won an astonishing race on unfamiliar footing with a pinch-hitting rider.

Terry had the opportunity to chat with Toby's Corner when he and the Merry Marketeers visited Fair Hill a few weeks ago.  Toby was in fine form at the time, and sent Terry a positive vibe about his chances in Derby.

Unfortunately, he didn't mention anything about his gimpy gam or put in a word for the redhead in the next stall, so Terry missed the chance to hit on the 20-1 shot when Toby was scratched.

But we'll all get another chance to do so in two weeks.  Increased interest in the Derby and renewed interest in the Maryland industry will hopefully spike attendance at Pimlico.  In the meantime, congratulations to Animal Kingdom, Graham Motion and Fair Hill for keeping Maryland's name out there.