On October 30th, 1920, renowned American sportsman, Foxhall P. Keene, initiated a race over timber at his Monkton, Maryland home, Foxhall Farm. Keene’s intent was to encourage participation in the sport.

The race was to be run by teams of three all regular followers of a recognized hunt, and the four and one half mile course, which consisted of over thirty fences and water jumps was said to rival that of the Maryland Hunt Cup. Among those riders who competed in that first running were Ambrose Clarke and A. J. Devereux. The list of those who officiated and attended reads as a “Who’s Who” of American timber, turf, and hunt elite and includes Samuel D. Riddle, S. Lurman Stewart, and John R. Valentine. Spectators from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York and Virginia came by train, automobile, and horse drawn conveyance.

To honor the winning team Keene commissioned a challenge cup which was to be held by the victorious hunt until the renewal of the race. Of sterling silver, it is one of the most impressive trophies in the sport.

This year, the Green Spring Valley Hounds will defend the Foxhall farm Cup.  (Green Spring won the race in 2009, but weather forced the cancellation of the 2010 event.)  A race course replicating as closely as possible Green Spring's  previous running of the team chase (in 1955!) has been constructed. Please join us as we salute Foxhall P. Keene and continue the tradition he began ninety-one years ago.

“That Race became my final contribution to the sport I loved so well.”        Foxhall P. Keene