Freelance writer and Maryland native Christianna McCausland has recently published her first book with Arcadia Publishing, entitled “Maryland Steeplechasing.” The book explores in text and pictures a slice of the sporting life that not only holds a place in Maryland sporting history, but remains a challenging pursuit today. The Baltimore Examiner recently sat down to chat with her.
Where did your interest in the sport of steeplechasing originate?
I grew up in north Baltimore County, in the Worthington Valley. When the racing is in your own backyard, you go.
In your own backyard?
Yes. These races are different from a flat track race. They are literally run over people?s farms. The three races, The Hunt Cup, The Maryland Grand National and My Lady?s Manor, are all run in April.
For someone who has never attended a steeplechase race, what could they expect of the event?
The races are family-oriented [yet] still appeal to the old horse aficionados. They are open to the public; there is general parking and even tailgating.
What makes the three races that you focus on in your book so special to Maryland and local history?
Horseracing is a long-standing part of our past, of Maryland?s history. These races grew out of fox hunting. Today, [the races] are integral to contemporary land issues. By getting a new generation of people involved, they will hopefully want to preserve our state?s beautiful landscapes.
Your book is a photographic history. What are some of your favorite photos and why?
On page 70 [in the book], there is a picture of Elizabeth Knight, who rode in the 1986 Hunt Cup. She is jumping a 5-foot fence, and in that process, she jumps a horse and rider that had fallen just ahead of her. To me, this brings into focus both the danger and exhilaration of the sport. Also, on page 69, there is a photo of a big first in the 1980 Hunt Cup. The owner, the trainer and the jockey of the winning horse were all women.
What do you hope readers will get out of the book?
I wrote the book for two audiences ? those new to the sport, the casual observers, and people who have been involved with [steeplechasing] for a long time. They will enjoy fond memories, but I want the new audience to get a sense of the sport?s history and its relevance today. And I would like to see support for the sport.
The book
» “Maryland Steeplechasing” by Christianna McCausland
» Published by Arcadia Press
» $19.99
» Available at local bookstores, Amazon.com and ArcadiaPublishing.com
