sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cheltenham Racecourse, Combined driving, Eventing, Fox hunting, Horse racing, Thoroughbred racing

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill Fair Hill Foundation Board of Directors Samuel L. Slater, President Jack S. Griswold, Vice Chair Kathleen M. Anderson, DVM, Treasurer Nancy Rothwell Simpers, Secretary Albert J. A. Young, Esq., Counsel Joseph P. Clancy, Jr. Bruce Davidson Timothy J. Gardner, M.D. Patricia Gilbert George I. E. Harris Robert A. Kinsley George P. Mahoney, Jr. Ewing McDowell Frank McEntee Irvin S. Naylor John Nunn Duncan Patterson Will Phipps

Campaign Leadership Jack S. Griswold, Chair Kathleen M. Anderson, DVM, Vice Chair Timothy J. Gardner, M.D., Vice Chair Richard Abbott George I. E. Harris Ann L. Jones George P. Mahoney, Jr. Frank McEntee Ross Peddicord Will Phipps

On the Cover Top: Photo by Tod Marks Left: Photo by Tod Marks Right: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Bottom: Photo by Tod Marks Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 2 Photo by Maggie by Photo Kimmitt

William du Pont, Jr. Realizing A Founder’s Vision

In 1925, du Pont, Jr., great great grandson of Pierre Samuel du Pont, began to assemble a tract of land on the -Pennsylvania border that would eventually encompass more than 7,600 acres. The property served as a nature preserve, cattle ranch, and a place where du Pont could engage in his two favorite pastimes: and .

As du Pont gradually added to his holdings, he designed a course fashioned after the Aintree track in . He then waited seven years before allowing a horse to set foot on it, recognizing nature couldn’t be rushed in the establishment of thick, healthy turf.

In the interim, Mr. du Pont didn’t sit idly by. Setting out to prepare his new property for the that he loved, he moved his pack of hounds up from his family home in Montpelier, . To ensure their safety, he built bridges over the roads, tunnels under them, and encircled the property with 17 miles of “super fence”, a chain link barrier that was set in three-foot concrete footers with a “T” section across the top. Even the most aggressive hound (or fox) couldn’t dig under it or climb over it.

In 1934, Mr. du Pont started The Fair Hill Races. An annual event since its founding, the Races draw more than 10,000 people each May to watch one of the most exciting steeplechase race cards in the country. Mr. du Pont’s Foxcatcher Hounds hunted the property until the mid-1970s, first with Mr. du Pont as Master and then with his daughter, Jean du Pont McConnell, leading the field.

Mr. du Pont died on New Year’s Eve, 1965 and, nine years later, the State of Maryland purchased from his estate the 5,656-acre portion of Fair Hill that laid within State borders. Under State ownership, the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area was created.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 3 Photo by Tod Marks Tod by Photo

Dr. John R.S. Fisher founded the Fair Hill Training Center in 1983 in keeping with the property’s rich equestrian tradition. Set on 350 acres of Fair Hill property, it is now one of the nation’s premier racing training centers. Trainees include Breeder’s Cup winners, winners, and multiple graded stakes winners.

In 1989, Elkins “Elkie” Wetherill and John Ryan, organizers of the Chesterland Three-Day Event in Unionville, PA, were looking for a new site for its CCI3*. When they saw the gently rolling terrain, meandering streams, and thick, lush turf at Fair Hill, they knew they had found the ideal venue for . The Fair Hill International Founders Committee, including Trish Gilbert, secured the services of England’s Michael Tucker, a world renowned expert, to design a cross-country course that was worthy of its surroundings. He produced a course that far exceeded expectations and today is regarded as one of the finest internationally.

Today the public enjoys hiking, fishing, and endurance rides, combined , , picnicking and other outdoor activities on the spectacular property. But it’s among the and riders that Fair Hill has earned its well-deserved reputation as a cradle of champions.

It’s been many years since Mr. du Pont started to put together his paradise and those who have followed are determined to preserve his legacy. During the spring races and the fall international event the property comes alive with horses and people. For the rest of the year, Fair Hill maintains its quiet, pristine beauty – just the way Mr. du Pont would have wanted it.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 4 Photo by Amy Dragoo by Photo

Taking Fair Hill into the Future

While Mr. du Pont would no doubt have approved of the many ways his property enriches the lives of Marylanders and the regional, national and international equestrian community, the leadership of the Fair Hill Foundation (FHF) seeks to reinvigorate his vision by retrofitting the property to meet the challenges of the future. Building on Maryland’s reputation as a world class leader in the and wishing to create a global hub for equestrian sport, FHF will bring Fair Hill’s eventing, showing, steeplechasing and turf racing facilities to the pinnacle of worldwide venues through Proud Past • Infinite Future: The Campaign for Fair Hill, an effort to raise $20 million through a public-private partnership. The State of Maryland has funded half of the project’s cost. The State and Fair Hill Foundation have already successfully funded early conceptual design work ($500,000) as well as engineering and permitting ($2 million) through this partnership. In early September 2018, the State of Maryland $9 million for construction. Recent events are giving the campaign new urgency. On July 25, 2017, Fair Hill International announced the Equestrian Federation (USEF), after reviewing competing bids from four other major equestrian venues in Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, recommended that the second Concours Complet International 5* (CCI5*) in the United States be hosted in October 2020 at Fair Hill. With this event, Maryland will join Kentucky as the only states in the country to host both a five-star event and a Triple Crown race. The 2020 deadline requires a very ambitious timeline. FHF leaders are developing, adjusting and implementing plans simultaneously as the fundraising unfolds. This approach is absolutely necessary to take advantage of this time-sensitive opportunity. Recognizing the economic development benefits for the State, top level political support and attention, as well as interest from philanthropists across the horse world, are focused on the project. The national and international spotlight is on Fair Hill. For steeplechasing and turf racing, the existing turf and timber courses are being completely reconstructed with safer turn radiuses, banked turns, consistent width, and temporary crossings and access points on the straights. The courses are also irrigated, providing for top conditions throughout the season.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 5 For eventing, the CCI5* facilities will offer top-level amenities to horses, riders, patrons and fans. and show phases will take place in a new arena in front of the existing grandstand. A new world-class cross country course will loop in front of the grandstand, giving spectators commanding views of more than half the obstacles without leaving their seats while preserving Fair Hill’s famous undulating, natural terrain. Envisioned upgrades will be phased and when completed, Fair Hill will accommodate a diverse range of equestrian disciplines in a world class setting that will broaden collaboration among competitors, enthusiasts and spectators alike. Fair Hill Foundation’s leadership team is working with several governmental and private organizations; among them, the Maryland Stadium Authority is providing unparalleled project management. The project’s primary partners include: Fair Hill International, the Fair Hill Organizing Committee, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Steeplechase Association, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Maryland Sports Commission and Cecil County Government. Additional supporters include:

• Governor Larry Hogan • Maryland Horse Council • Fair Hill Training Center • The Cecil County • United States Equestrian • Delegation to Maryland Federation Association • United States Eventing • Upper Shore Regional • Maryland Department Association Council of Agriculture • Cecil County Fair • Rural Maryland Council, • Maryland Department • Fair Hill Organizing and more. of Commerce Committee • Maryland Tourism • Fair Hill Races Coalition

This ambitious plan means Fair Hill will become a world class venue for eventing, steeplechasing, turf racing, , and dressage while retaining its celebrated character: natural beauty, open space, and rural tradition. Proud Past • Infinite Future: The Campaign for Fair Hill will make this vision a reality.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 6 Draft Core Zone Site Plan

Ambitious Renovations

To bring about dramatically improved facilities at Fair Hill and major economic development for the State and region, careful planning for each element of the infrastructure master plan is underway. The Maryland Stadium Authority and the equestrian division of Populous have developed a plan that will include:

An irrigated, realigned turf racetrack & timber course. The new turf racetrack, featuring wider and banked turns, will provide the opportunity for more racing days. This track will also ensure better footing and safety for the horses and provide opportunity for higher caliber races. Show rings on the Infield. New arenas will allow for improved show competitions, state-of-the-art footing, and a better spectator experience. New Cross Country Course. Offering significant visibility from the grandstand area, upgrades will include fiber line for livestream capacity, roadway improvements, horse paths, tea barn parking.

These improvements and the events they will make possible at Fair Hill will have broad economic impact on the region.

The CCI5* is expected to attract approximately 80,000 spectators bringing between $20-$30 million annually in economic impact to the region. Improved steeplechase and turf racing conditions and hospitality offerings will produce major economic gains. Fair Hill’s current facilities only allow for Grade II steeplechase races. The realigned and irrigated racecourse will mean Fair Hill Races can offer Grade I stakes races and more days of racing, including boutique turf meets. US based Grade I steeplechase races see up to 80,000 fans on race days.

Planned improvements and optimal timelines Engineering, Permitting, & Bid Procurements – June 2018 - April 2019 – COMPLETE Design & Build Cross Country Course – March 2019 - October 2019 – COMPLETE Construct Turf Course & Irrigation – June 2019 - October 2019 – COMPLETE Seed/Sod Turf Course & Cross Country Course – Autumn 2019 & Spring 2020 – UNDERWAY

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 7 Phasing will make these achievements possible. Comprehensive improvements to Fair Hill are intended as a multi-year, multi-phase project. Completing the core sporting requirements to host international quality equestrian events is within reach. Phase I of the construction project carries a projected $20 million cost. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing up to half of the needed funds. Philanthropic investments will leverage and match State funds.

Conceptual Planning/Master Planning $500,000 (Fully Funded) Initial Studies, Engineering, and Preliminary Design Work contributions and matching public funds from a capital grant made this initial stage possible. These studies thoroughly examined how best to implement needed capital improvements and future infrastructure needs that must integrate with the current proposed improvements.

Final Design for Phase I Construction $2,000,000 (Fully Funded) State funding followed by matching private funds enabled the final engineering, permitting and bid procurement work necessary to be shovel ready in June 2019.

Phase I Construction $18,000,000 ($9,000,000 in Private Funds) Turf Course, including irrigation, realignment, and other improvements Cross Country Course • Competition Rings

Collaborative activity required to secure public funding from Maryland for Phase I has many sequential and time-limited steps. The Department of Natural Resources has committed $9 million for the project, contingent on a private funding match. To demonstrate the partnership and commitment, an urgent need exists to secure $9 million in private funding.

Phase II $8,500,000 (Estimated) Grandstand The iconic Fair Hill grandstand dates to the heyday of Mr. du Pont’s early years. The aging structure is in need of major renovations to meet the challenges of the increased racing days ahead.

Phase III Site-varied improvements will include: Renovated Barns • Improved hospitality offerings

Timber Field for training areas • Auxiliary Gallop

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 8 Photo by Shannon Brinkman Shannon by Photo

Recognition for Visionary Donors

Fair Hill Foundation is pleased to offer donors naming opportunities in recognition of philanthropic gifts. Fair Hill Foundation leaders would be pleased to work with individuals to identify further or alternate opportunities. Recognition Opportunities $1,000,000 and up Turf Course Principal Turf Course Partner Cross Country Course

$500,000 up to $1,000,000 Timber Course Main Arena on In-Field

$250,000 up to $500,000 Cross Country Course – Design Main Arena on Infield – Partner Show Arena on Infield

Less than $250,000 Main Arena Warm-Up Ring Finish Line on Racecourse New Scenic Ponds

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 9 Photo by Kat Netzler Kat by Photo Photo by Kathee Rengert Kathee by Photo Photo by Maggie by Photo Kimmitt

Racecourse Track Crossing Saddling Paddock Paddock Pavilion Horse Path Arenas Footing Partner (3-4) Cross Country Course Features (5-6) Stalls in Race (119)

Other Ways to Support Fair Hill Annual Giving Gifts for annual operations will provide the Fair Hill Foundation with much-needed flexibility to address challenges as they arrive throughout the construction process.

Legacy Giving By including the Fair Hill Foundation in your estate plan, you may be able to make a much larger gift than you might think possible while also enjoying a substantial tax deduction. For more information, contact: Staff at [email protected] or 401-578-3802.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 10 Eventing Photo by Shannon Brinkman Shannon by Photo

Preparing for the CCI5* Event Preparations for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (CCI5*-L) carry forward a proud 30-year history of excellence in Eventing. Since 1989, Fair Hill International (FHI) has hosted what was widely regarded as one of the world’s best competitions, elevating up to a CCI4*-L in 2019. Proud Past • Infinite Future: The Campaign for Fair Hill will sustain this reputation and position Fair Hill among the top seven three-day Eventing competition venues in the world. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) competitive bid process in 2017 resulted in the recommendation that Fair Hill host the new international CCI5* event, scheduled for October 15-18, 2020. One of the best venues in where a rider or horse can progress up the levels from introductory Eventing to professional, Fair Hill was selected for many strengths: • Stellar history as host to one of the best international CCI4*-Ls in the world; • Exceptional venue with over 5,000 acres of outstanding terrain for Cross Country competition; • Long history of serving all levels of competitors and multiple equestrian disciplines; • Experienced Eventing competition organizers and a large and outstanding group of volunteers to support a new CCI5* event; • Strength of public-private partnerships; • Accessibility with the I-95 corridor for domestic and international travelers; • Location within the three largest media markets on the East Coast. Adding the CCI5* into the of competition available at Fair Hill was the natural next step. To make the shift from CCI4*-L to CCI5*-L, several changes were required: • The competition site move from the current location to the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone to maximize upgraded infrastructure; • A new, world-class cross-country course with viewing from the grandstand will use the Saw Mill field, timber, and turf courses (the former long-format Roads & Tracks land); • Additional overlaid temporary facilities will augment permanent upgrades, ensuring top-level amenities for horses, riders, patrons and fans; • Dressage and show jumping phases will take place in a new arena in front of the existing grandstand.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 11 Photo by Shannon Brinkman Shannon by Photo

Through a partnership between FHF and FHI, was retained to design the new cross-country course. Ian is designing the new 5* course to start and finish near the grandstand, allowing spectators commanding views of obstacles without leaving their seats. During Stark’s March 2019 working trip to Fair Hill, he admired the site’s undulating, natural terrain and stated that there are outstanding options on the new site. Organizers will draw from a committed and energized base of volunteers, many of whom host other events, clinics, and schooling opportunities throughout the year to help take the event to the next level. The calendar includes six recognized and schooling horse trials, a sanctioned Endurance competition, a event, and up to 12 scheduled cross-country schoolings. A new organization formed in 2019 called The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Corporation of Maryland, will oversee the newly branded Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill under the leadership of Jeff Newman, President & CEO. The FHOC in partnership with FHI will collaborate closely with Cecil County, the Maryland Sports Commission (MSC), the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), the Fair Hill Foundation (FHF), the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other state and local partners. Using the strengths of each partner, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will bring domestic and international Eventing in Maryland and this region to new heights. Furthermore, MSC brings impressive capacity to promote, grow, and administer large-scale sporting events. Led by Terry Hasseltine who played significant roles in bringing the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) and 2008 Ryder Cup to Kentucky, the MSC and its partners have supported more than 3,500 events over the past nine years and generated nearly $1.6 billion in direct spending on Maryland’s economy. Among many national and international sporting events in Maryland, MSC produced: • The sold out 2011, 2014 and 2016 Army Navy Games (average of ~75,000 attendees each event) • The 2009 World Football Challenge – the largest sporting event ever in M&T Bank Stadium (72,000+ attendees) • The 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, noted for record- breaking crowds (71,000+)

The architectural firm, Populous, provided design services for the project. Their equestrian projects include: London 2012 Olympic Equestrian Venue, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Equestrian Venue, (, UK), Racecourse (Cheltenham, UK), Eagle Farm Racecourse (Brisbane, AU), Expansion (KY), Hong Kong (PRC), and Abu Dhabi Racecourse and Equestrian Club (UAE).

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 12 Steeplechasing Photo by Maggie by Photo Kimmitt

Steeplechasing for the Future Home to the National Steeplechase Association, Fair Hill knows that producing enhancements for the historic turf course will give modern day steeplechase racing a true home equal to its prestigious heritage. The iconic Aintree course in England served as a model for Fair Hill under the direction of William du Pont. Lacking the capacity for large scale earthworks in the late , du Pont was forced to alter dimensions for the Fair Hill course to fit the topography of the site. The resulting dimensions resembled a paper clip – a very narrow oval. For today’s steeplechase racing needs, the sharp turns yielded hazardous conditions and the time has come to reimagine du Pont’s facility. Not without its own experts, Fair Hill’s community of internationally-recognized trainers and horsemen is contributing valuable insight for the facility redesign. Maintaining the current uses of the facility – ample training opportunities – and expanding racing opportunities are at the core of the plan. With these goals laid out, the new design focuses on delivering: • Irrigation for turf and timber courses • Reconstructed courses featuring wider, sweeping, and banked turns • Complete replacement of the turf on course

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 13 • Reconfiguration to achieve consistent width across courses • Designated and protected crossing and access points • Mile distance with uphill pull on the home stretch • Livestream capacity Fair Hill is poised for steeplechase racing expansion. The course is allocated a total of eight days of racing with pari-mutuel betting. The Fair Hill Races Board is actively working to produce expanded days of racing. Thanks to recent legislative action, Fair Hill will be able to reinvest revenues from racing into the new facility, the park and the Fair Hill community.

“The Fair Hill Project could be the most significant initiative in modern times for American Steeplechasing. For many years Fair Hill has been the home of the National Steeplechase Association and this would complete a dream we have had since 1989 when the Association moved from in New York. A central location in the Mid-Atlantic region is ideal for a premier steeplechase racecourse that would be used multiple times during the year, as well as a “schooling” facility for hurdlers and thoroughbred turf horses. We are very excited about the project and stand by it steadfastly.” – Guy J. Torsilieri, President, National Steeplechase Association

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 14 Turf Racing Photo by Maggie by Photo Kimmitt

Turf Training and Racing Transformed

Fair Hill hosts only one sanctioned day of steeplechase races annually but is eligible to host up to eight days of racing per year. Fair Hill can expand racing days to provide opportunity for schooling flat races, boutique turf meets, and Arabian racing. Fundraising for purses, expanding sponsorships and professionalizing operations are all predicated upon offering world-class facilities.

Home to the Thoroughbred Racing Association and premier off-track Fair Hill Training Center, Fair Hill draws race trainers from across the country who like its quiet natural beauty, diverse training opportunities, proximity to the I-95 corridor, and East Coast location. When Proud Past • Infinite Future: The Campaign for Fair Hill is complete, Fair Hill will boast one of the best turf courses in the country carpeted by a Kentucky Bluegrass mix. The new course will feature a realigned turf racetrack with advanced irrigation, rail systems and turf. The track will feature wider and banked turns so footing will be maintained at the highest safety standards for the horses. Maintaining the current uses of the facility – ample training opportunities – and expanded racing are at the core of the plan. With these goals laid out, the new design focuses on delivering: • Irrigation for turf and timber courses • Reconstructed courses featuring wider, sweeping, and banked turns

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 15 Photo by Maggie by Photo Kimmitt

• Complete replacement of the turf on course • Reconfiguration to achieve consistent width across courses • Designated and protected crossing and access points • Mile distance with uphill pull on the home stretch • Livestream capacity

Opportunities: Safer Training, Schooling Flat Races, Boutique Turf Meets Future plans present opportunity for additional gallops and schooling areas to ensure that conditions on the course are always premier while providing trainers and horses with ample training opportunities.

Leading turf trainers such as Michael Dickinson, Graham Motion and Tom Proctor routinely breeze horses at the current turf course. They and other area trainers can look forward to having the ability to breeze their horses more safely than ever before.

Proud Past • Infinite Future The Campaign for Fair Hill 16 Fair Hill Foundation, Inc. PO Box 1324 Elkton, MD 21922 [email protected] cell: 401-578-3802