For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 27, 2001
Morven Park Dedicates New Race
to late Virginia Horseman
A new race will be added to the race card at the Morven Park Races on
October 13, 2001. The Earl Loughborough Memorial Race, an opportunity for
Virginia Breeders Fund registered Virginia-bred and sired Thoroughbreds is
open to three-year olds and up. The six and a half furlong race will be run
on the turf for a $5,000 purse.
The race will be dedicated to the memory of the late Virginia horseman, Earl
Loughborough. Earl earned his living as an official at racetracks around
the country, but his heart and home were always in Virginia. Earl knew
every player human and equine in the industry and could spin wonderful
tales about the Virginia horse world. Fortunately for the horse loving
public, Earl shared his story-telling gift through his bi-monthly column in
the national magazine, “In and Around Horse Country”. In his writing Earl
sought to instill an appreciation of the sport into those who were not
familiar with the equine world. His articles were always positive tributes
to the perseverance of the horseman and to the love of the horse.
Virginia horsewoman, Marsyl Hammond of Liberty Hall Farm in Rixeyville
developed the idea for a race to honor Earl and generously provided the
initial sponsorship of the purse. She was quickly joined by other horsemen
wishing to pay tribute to Earl’s memory. That Earl touched the lives of so
many is reflected in the outpouring of response from horsemen across the
country. Additional race sponsors include Chris Anthon, Robin Gulick,
Shorty Lawrence, Marion Maggiolo of Horse Country Saddlery, Christopher
Norden of the EMO Agency, the Virginia Breeders Fund and the Virginia HBPA.
The Morven Park Races scheduled for October 13, 2001 in Leesburg, VA, will
offer six races on the flat and over fences. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and
post time is at 1:30 p.m. Set in the beautiful Virginia countryside and
voted Loudoun’s “Best Equestrian Event”, the Morven Park Races are sure to
thrill and excite. “This event has something for everyone carriage rides,
tailgating, the Family Fun Fair, shopping, and, of course, great racing.
Bring the kids and come out to enjoy a day in the country.” says Pamela
Woolley, Marketing Director. Tickets are available in advance for $25 per
car and a limited number of railside parking spaces are still available.
To reserve your parking space or to purchase tickets in advance, call
703-777-2414 (Visa and Mastercard accepted). On race day, tickets will be
available at the gate for $10 per person.
For more information about the Races, please call 703-777-2414.
Morven Park is operated in the public interest by the Westmoreland Davis
Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded to protect, preserve
and promote the historic and cultural resources of Morven Park.
For More Information Contact:
Pamela Woolley
Marci Keene
703-777-2890
Morven Park International Equestrian Center
