Looking Back

10 Years Ago: February 2013

Details: Published: February 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

The torch of the oldest Eclipse Award winner passed to Flatterer, after 34-year-old Lord Avie died in his paddock at Blue Ridge Farm in Upperville, Va., in December. In January, Flatterer turned 34.

25 Years Ago: February 1998

Details: Published: February 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

Historic Morven Farm, an interlocking array of pastures and woods in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville, Va., was basically reborn under the 10-year ownership of billionaire businessman John Werner Kluge.

50 Years Ago: February 1973

Details: Published: February 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

John and Kitty Merryman, who grew up with horses and passed their knowledge and interest to their six children, had a rising star in their stable.

75 Years Ago: February 1948

Details: Published: February 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

A bombshell was tossed in the lap of Maryland racing when the 1948 racing dates of the three New Jersey tracks were announced.

10 Years Ago: January 2013

Details: Published: January 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

As the sires of 2012 Breeders’ Cup winners, E Dubai and Wiseman’s Ferry were about to boost Pennsylvania’s Thoroughbred industry and send business to their respective farms, Northview PA and Dana Point.

25 Years Ago: January 1998

Details: Published: January 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

The 14th Breeders’ Cup at Hollywood Park saw a number of favorites scratch, but championship performances filled the card. Leading off was Maryland-sired Countess Diana in the Juvenile Fillies-G1, which she won by 8 1⁄2 lengths.

50 Years Ago: January 1973

Details: Published: January 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

Rash Prince led all sires 2-year-olds in Maryland thanks to stakes winners Queen’s Mark and Protest and stakes-placed Swift Courier. The son of Prince John stood at Country Life Farm in Bel Air.

75 Years Ago: January 1948

Details: Published: January 2023; Written by Emily Stakem

William Woodward, owner of historic Belair Stud near Bowie, Md., bred and owned one of the top 2-year-olds in England in 1947, Black Tarquin, winner of the 177th running of Gimcrack Stakes at York. Following tradition, the winning owner was guest of honor of a dinner at York, at which he is asked “to ‘ventilate his mind’ on such matters pertaining to the turf as may engage his fancy.”

Mid-Atlantic Stallions

10 Years Ago: February 2013

25 Years Ago: February 1998

50 Years Ago: February 1973

75 Years Ago: February 1948

10 Years Ago: January 2013

25 Years Ago: January 1998

50 Years Ago: January 1973

75 Years Ago: January 1948

Archives | Looking Back

The Mill Leaders

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