First Famed Horses MARYLAND’S
Story by ELLEN MOYER
Paintings by WILLIAM WILSON
The colonial cradle of thoroughbred racing produced the sport’s earliest racehorse heroes It was 1719 and Ben Tasker, Mayor of Annapolis, was leading the City Council to a decision on horse racing in the city. A city described as “more British than British,” Annapolis was following the example of a deceased Queen Anne who had invigorated the new thoroughbred racing industry in England. Through her leadership, municipal economies became prosperous by establishing horse racing venues in towns throughout England. The Annapolis City Council supported the clearing of a track beyond the city gate off West Street for horse racing. Pubs were organized to help finance the venture. Silversmith Cesar Ghiselin, one of the earliest well-regarded craftsmen in the colonies, was commissioned to design 12 silver spoons to be given as prizes to the winners of the races.
It All Began Here in Annapolis painted by William Wilson shows Maryland Governor Samuel Ogle observing the unloading of the first pair of imported British thoroughbreds—Queen Mab and Spark—at the Annapolis City Dock in June 1747.
History doesn’t record the winners of this inaugural happening. Nor does it describe the race as a straight track dual between two horses racing down West Street or a four-mile course race over an oval track. This early action, however, set Annapolis and Maryland on its own course to be “the cradle of thoroughbred racing.” ➺
whatsupmag.com | May 2022 | What’s Up? Annapolis
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