The sound of thundering hoofbeats on the trail, the long clear notes of a hunting horn, the sight of hounds racing across frosted fields in pursuit of a scent that lingers on the damp, leaf covered ground, horses boldly galloping through wooded terrain, striving to jump the next obstacle, and of course, the timeless elegance of the following riders all make up an exhilarating day of foxhunting with the Marlborough Hunt Club.

Members of Note

There are many notable Members of the Marlborough Hunt Club. Among them are Viginia P. Clagett a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since 1995; as well as, Hal C. B. Clagett, owner of Roedown Farm and one of Maryland’s top racing thoroughbred breeders. Also involved in thoroughbred racing is his niece and Joint MFH Christy Clagett, owner of Larking Hill, another successful Maryland thoroughbred breeding and training establishment.

Christy Clagett an amateur race rider for ARCA (Amateur Racing Club of America) from ‘93- ‘97, was also integral in supporting MHC member Leigh Offut in her amateur race riding. Both Christy and Leigh had fun representing the United States in European amateur race competitions. Leigh then went on to become a successful, professional jockey, and can presently be found training and racing many of the top mounts in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Pic 1: MHC Member & professional jockey, Leigh Offut on “Better Talk Now” winner of the 2004 Breeders Cup with a purse of over $2 million. Pic 2: Leigh Offut breezing with a friend.

MHC members have always been passionate about foxhunting, however, there were, and still are, many passionate about steeplechase racing. Al Smith owned “Le Sauteur”, also known as “the jumper,” a top steeplechase jumper in 1985-86. Past MFH and current Whipper-In, John Myers and wife Snowie, were successful trainers and breeders of both steeplechase and flat horses. Meanwhile, sons David and Billy Myers were successful steeplechase jockeys. Marilyn and Harry Ketts were also successful with steeplechase and flat track horses. Also, Tom & Claire McDermott were winning breeders in thoroughbred flat racing with “Baby O’ Mine,” a multiple stakes winner of over $350k.