The Bruce Wins the Maryland Hunt Cup

The Bruce, a ten year old bay gelding by Masterclass out of a Le Grand Seigneur mare, won the 111th Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday, April 28th. He was ridden by Stewart Strawbridge and trained by Sanna N. Hendricks. (The Bruce jumps the four foot nine inch 13th fence on the lead.)

The Bruce had run fourth the prior week in the Grand National behind the winner Bubble Economy, who had been entered in the Hunt Cup, but was scratched.

The Bruce broke on top and led for almost the entire four miles. He turned back challenges from Ivorgorian, who lost his rider Todd McKenna at the water jump; and from two time former winner Bug River who challenged towards the end and twice out jumped The Bruce, only to be passed again on the flat. Bug River, ridden by Blair Wyatt, finished in a dead heat for second.

Lear Charm, ridden by Blake Curry, was the other horse in a dead heat for second with Bug River. Jack Griswold's Blackchesters ridden by Jason Griswold finished fourth.

Four others, Zaratani, Rosbrian, Coal Dust and Ivorgorian did not finish. No horses or riders were injured
.

(Garet Winants is in serious trouble at the thirteenth and is eventually forced to part company with Coal Dust.)