The Maryland Hunt Cup Association has announced the presentation of the 2013 S. Bryce Wing trophy to Maryland’s Walter Wickes Brewster. Brewster, a foxhunting and timber racing enthusiast his whole life, finished second in the 1948 My Lady’s Manor (Md.), fourth in the 1948 Grand National (Md.), and second in the 1948 Maryland Hunt Cup, all aboard Clifton’s Dan.
“While Walter did not enjoy the most successful career as a jockey, he certainly had a colorful one,” said Maryland Hunt Cup secretary Sherlock Gillet Jr.
After he hung up his racing tack, Brewster focused his enthusiasm on the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club in Maryland for many years, where he served as the hunt secretary, treasurer, president and became a third-generation Master of Foxhounds.
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In addition to his time with the hunt club, Walter volunteered his services to the Grand National Committee in 1967 and helped operate that race meet for the next three decades, during which time he acted as secretary for a handful of years. In 1979, because of his organizational abilities and thrifty nature, Walter was invited to join the Maryland Hunt Cup Committee and capably served there for 25 years.
“Our sport is kept alive by those who work quietly, often anonymously, on the less glorious aspects of the races,” said Gillet. “Walter has been there throughout his life supporting our sport in one way or another. He has consistently contributed to all aspects of Maryland timber racing, becoming an irreplaceable resource to those of us coming after. We may not have his competence or his stamina, but we are certainly inspired by his example.”
The first S. Bryce Wing award was presented in 1976. The trophy has now been awarded 27 times, and it honors Wing, who was a member of the Maryland Hunt Cup Association from 1939 until his death at 85 in 1975.