CBS News correspondent Charlie Rose reports about the Timber Races on 60 Minutes. Described as “an American version of the Steeplechase,” Timber Races were named for the five-foot tall wooden fences horses and riders jump during the four mile long race. There can be as many as 22 fences. The sport comes from Ireland where, 250 years ago, countrymen raced horses jumping over hedge rows. The biggest Timber Racing event of the year, the 121st annual Maryland Hunt Cup, will take place on April 29 in Westminster, Maryland.
Charlie Rose interviews Paddy Nelson, a three-time Timber Racing winner, who’s now in his seventies. “There’s just some magic about the power of that animal underneath of you,” he tells Rose. “And then when you ask him for everything he’s got the last quarter a mile…and there it is, it is a marvelous feeling that only comes from doing it, really. It is great.” There’s also a $100,000 purse, which no doubt also feels great. 60 Minutes airs Sundays at 7pm on CBS.
20 strong nominations for 2017 Maryland Hunt Cup #mdhuntcup. Tickets available online. pic.twitter.com/O7rEmE7oG7
— Maryland Hunt Cup (@MDHuntCup) March 14, 2017
