Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"Dream Race at the Graw"
Mural by Ezra Berger - Original Painting by by Bill Watson (Shown Above)
The Havre de Grace Racetrack was a horse racing track on Post Road in Havre de Grace which operated from August 24, 1912 to 1950. Nicknamed "The Graw," it was owned by the Harford Agricultural and Breeders Association and also by the notorious gambler, Arnold Rothstein. During its heyday, the track hosted two of the most important races in thoroughbred competition, The Potomac Handicap and the Havre de Grace Handicap.
This depiction is a fictional race conducted among some of the most storied thoroughbreds ever to compete upon this famous oval. With the exception of "Havre de Grace", every horse illustrated participated in a race at "The Graw". Every horse was researched to achieve their correct coloring and representative silks worn by the jockey. Havre de Grace is included as a sentimental acknowledgment of the filly, who just a few years ago, beat the boys in the Woodward Stakes and went onto a successful career, all the while bearing the name of the town whose racing heritage is cherished by many, including the artists and mural building owner, Allen Fair.
Erected by Havre de Grace Alliance; Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway; Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1912.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 'We used to have a race track' (a few steps from this marker); Cal Rodgers (within shouting distance of this marker); Havre de Grace- Early 1900's (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "The People of Havre de Grace" (approx. 0.2 miles away); War in the Chesapeake (approx. 0.2 miles away); Surprise Attack (approx. 0.2 miles away); "O! say can you see…" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rochambeau Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.
Photographed By Carl Gordon Moore Jr., December 8, 2020
2. Havre de Grace Graw Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
