A drawing of a man playing a trumpet

Announcing the Winner of the 2016 Maryland Million Artwork Competition

Congratulations to the winner of the 2016 Maryland Million Artwork Competition, Stephen Bardsley!

Bardsley’s submission, “Call to Post”, was hand drawn from a photo he took at the 30th running of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day in 2015. About the work, Bardsley said, “I drew this from a photo I took last year at Maryland Million Day. (There) I met Bethann Dixon, the only female bugler in the history of the Preakness and Belmont.” And might we add, the Maryland Million!

Marylandmillionbugler

We had a few questions for our winner about his art and his love for Maryland racing.

MML: Where is your hometown? Favorite race track?

Stephenbardsley

Bardsley: Home is Kent Island with Laurel Park my home and favorite track.

MML: How would you describe your artistic style? Any influences?

Bardsley: Artistic style is cross hatched realistic illustration. Influences are the masters, Rembrandt, Van Gogh who could really learned to draw before anything else.

MML: How did you become interested in horse racing and sporting art?

Bardsley: (I) have been a sports artist and fanatic my entire life. Always enjoyed horse racing, but really got caught up in the American Pharoah hype last year. My first time attending a live race ever was the Haskell at Monmouth Park last year to see him win that race. Absolutely hooked and addicted since!

MML: What is your favorite thing about Maryland Million Day?

Bardsley: Favorite thing about Maryland Million Day is seeing these majestic animal athletes, and knowing they are all from Maryland.

MML: Favorite Maryland Million horse?


Bardsley:

Ben’s Cat!

The Maryland Million Art Competition garnered over 600 unique votes for our three finalists. We had some truly fantastic submissions; a big thank you to all who submitted their masterpieces!

Stephen Bardsley will receive tickets to the Maryland Million Gala and VIP tickets to Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park.

Race Day Info

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Join us at the Maryland Million Gala & Auction!

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