Maryland Steeplechase Racing on the Radio

Racing historian Mike Finney returns to 21st Century Radio on WCBM 680 AM to preview Maryland’s upcoming race season. Sunday evening, March 24th, 2013 from 8-9 PM with host Dr. Bob Hieronimus, Finney will review the Steeplechase Races at Elkridge-Harford Hunt Point to Point (4/6/13), My Lady’s Manor (4/13/13), Maryland Grand National (4/20/13), and the Maryland Hunt Cup (4/27/13).

We’ll also reveal the truth behind the legend of the black American jockey Isaac Murphy (1861-1896). Murphy was the first American jockey elected to Racing’s Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, and only one of two black jockeys (Willie Simms is the other) to have received this honor. Throughout his career, Murphy rode 628 winners in his 1,412 mounts, including the three Kentucky Derby winners, four American Derby winners, and five Latonia Derby winners. Murphy has the best winning average in history to date with better than 34 percent. His career came to an end in 1895 after he began struggling with his weight and alleged bouts of drinking. Mike Finney has uncovered some new twists on this story that he will share with our listeners.

Michael H.S. Finney is a Maryland racing historian and sporting art dealer specializing in equine art and attire. (Visit their beautiful new location for Yoicks! in the Stevenson Village) He began his polo career at the Bostwick’s Village Farms Club in New York and went on to reside with Hector Barrantes in Argentina before playing for White Birch Farm. Finney has also served as an instructor, announcer and referee at the Myopia Polo Club in Boston and as a consultant on polo art for Polo Magazine.

Join us on 21st Century Radio with Dr. Bob Hieronimus on March 24, 2013 from 8-9 PM to hear all about it. Listen live on the air on WCBM 680 AM on the dial or over the Internet at wcbm.com. Check back later in the week at 21stCenturyRadio.com to listen to the archived show available for free.