Baltimore County Resident & Kentucky Derby Winner Stuart Janney Honored with Maryland Horse Industry Board’s Touch of Class Award

Stuart Janney. (Photo courtesy of Maryland Jockey Club / Jerry Dzierwinski)

UPDATE: For a photo of the award presentation, click here.

LAUREL, MD  –  Stuart S. Janney III, the Baltimore County resident whose horse, Orb, won the 2013 Kentucky Derby, received the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s October Touch of Class Award at the Maryland Million horse race today at Laurel Park. Jenn Patterson, Orb’s exercise rider and chief caretaker, accepted the award on Janney’s behalf. Patterson manages a string of horses, including Orb, who are stabled at Maryland’s Fair Hill Training Center and are owned by Janney and his cousin, Ogden Phipps.

“It is fitting that we present this award to Stuart at the Maryland Million since he is a former president of the organization,” said Jim Steele, who is chairman of both the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the executive committee of the Maryland Million.

Orb won four straight races leading up to his victory in the Kentucky Derby and has compiled earnings of $2.6 million. He catapulted Janney and Maryland into the national spotlight and helped draw a near record crowd to the 138^th running of the Preakness. Although he finished a disappointing fourth in the Pimlico race, Orb had the fortitude to compete in all three Triple Crown events, subsequently finishing third in the Belmont Stakes.

Orb and Caretaker Jenn Patterson. Photo courtesy of Maryland Jockey Club / Jim McCue

Also during the Touch of Class Award presentation, two Agriculture Secretary Citations were presented.  The first was presented to the Maryland Pony Breeders, Inc. in recognition of its 60^th Anniversary.  It is the oldest pony breeder organization in the country and is dedicated to the promotion of all pony breeds and disciplines. The second was awarded to the Retired Racehorse Training Project which brought a new national event, the Thoroughbred Makeover & National Symposium, to Maryland. The event drew nearly 1,000 spectators to watch demonstrations of 51 retired racehorses from the barns of 26 trainers in 15 states to Pimlico Race Course. The project showcases the second careers of Thoroughbreds racers. For photos of the presentation and other event photos, click here.

Each month, the Maryland Horse Industry Board recognizes Maryland people and horses who have achieved national and international recognition. Although Janney also lives and works in New York, his main residence is at Locust Hill Farm in Glyndon.

MHIB entered its third season of presenting Touch of Class awards last month. In the previous two years, MHIB has honored 48 Maryland horses or people in 20 different riding disciplines who have won national or international equestrian competitions. For more information, contact MHIB Executive Director Ross Peddicord at 410-841-5798 or by email ross.peddicord@maryland.gov or visit the MHIB website www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard.

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