News came of the death of William Brann, Maryland's leading breeder, instrumental in securing future national leading sire *Challenger II for stud duty, who bred and campaigned, among others, two-time Horse of the Year Challedon. Brann died at his winter home in Florida at age 73.

Brann got into racing in 1928 upon his retirement from the advertising business -- among his clients was Montgomery Ward. He was credited with originating the catalog of the famed mail-order house. In racing, Brann formed a partnership with Robert Castle, head of the advertising department of Montgomery Ward, and they established Branncastle Stable in Walkersville. They bought *Challenger II as a 3-year-old from England in 1930 and stood him at Branncastle (which later became Glade Valley Farms).

In less than a decade Brann bred classic winner Challedon. He also campaigned *Challenger II's champion daughter Gallorette, who retired in 1948 as the world's leading money-winning mare.

With a new owner and management, Laurel had a "colorful opening," penned Joe Palmer. The Greater Kensington String Band greeted patrons on the late March opening day. On Day 2, Palmer wrote: "The winners' circle was ornamented by Miss Jane Russell, wearing her own skin and that of several dozen minks, and by the queen of Maryland's Cherry Blossom Festival, a Miss Spayde."

And later in the meet "a real live Maryland-bred horse was to be given to the customer who had done the best handicapping." Palmer added: "As you will see, the new management at Laurel is going for promotion in a large way, and I expect that the traditionalists in Maryland will be as shocked as they were when Alfred Vanderbilt leveled off the infield at Pimlico. . .

"If this is what it takes to pull crowds to the races, then Laurel is quite right in furnishing it. Crowds mean money and money means purses and purses mean good horses, so those who are interested only in good racing ultimately benefit too."

The "Question Bee" conducted by the Havre de Grace chapter of the Harford County Horse and Pony Club showcased the horse knowledge of teenager Audrey Rickey, winner of two trophies, including the overall title.
"After searching hard for a question that might eliminate them, Humphrey S. Finney, who was acting as master of ceremonies, hit on the one: 'How many teeth does a mare have?' This settled the matter. Each year it is becoming more difficult to find questions which will stump these enthusiastic riding youngsters."

Competitors included Allen Murray, who finished second to Rickey.

The two would marry a few years later and establish Murmur Farm in Churchville in 1961. The farm eventually moved to Darlington, which Audrey continues to operate. Allen passed away in 2013.