And the Chase Is On, bronze sculpture by Margery Torrey, will benefit injured jump jockey Jake ChalfinHere is a delightful work of art by sculptor Margery Torrey that will bring a smile to any foxhunter. Torrey is one of a number of generous individuals who have donated their unique talents to help raise funds for injured jockey Jake Chalfin.
A little over a year ago, during a hurdle race at the Blue Ridge Fall Races, a runaway racehorse he was riding catapulted Chalfin into the perimeter fence. It turned out to be a life-changing event for Chalfin. He remains paralyzed from the chest down.
Very soon after the accident, a committee of friends and family formed Chasin’ for Chalfin—a trust to help with the significant long-term expenses required by his special needs. The organizers are committed to raising one million dollars, and the first few fund raising events have made a meaningful start to the overall goal.
Sculptor Margery Torrey created And the Chase Is On and donated the entire edition to the trust for Jake’s benefit. All sales are made through the trust and all proceeds will be retained by the trust.
The artist is an avid foxhunter and used to race in the NSA foxhunter series and in the point-to-points. She is a nationally recognized sculptor whose last showing was featured in the Autry Museum’s Masters of the American West last February.
The bronze, depicting three exuberant young foxes cavorting, measures approximately eleven inches long and five inches high. The price is $475.00. Bronzes may be purchased directly through the Chasin’ for Chalfin website by credit card or PayPal. When the edition is sold out, the forms will be destroyed.
Chalfin riding Native Mark at the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point, Spring 2010 / Sarah Greenhalgh photoI talked to Jake and was immensely impressed by his healthy and positive attitude.
“I wouldn’t do anything different,” he said. “I was following a dream.”
Although it was the first time racing over fences for the horse, Jake prepared himself. He had three schools over fences with the mount before race day.
“I did everything I was supposed to do. I don’t have any regrets. I wish it hadn’t happened, but I’m not looking back and kicking myself either. I still love the game, and I’m trying to be as involved in it as possible.”
“Racing has given me as much as it has taken away. There will never be a feeling like the day I completed the Maryland Hunt Cup. And on another level, the people that I met through racing are friends for life. And that’s valuable.”
Posted October 29, 2011
