Shining Beacon, ridden by Jack Fisher, edged Pacific Parley, ridden by Joe Gillet, by 1 1/2 lengths in the 3-mile Howard County Cup, the main race yesterday at the Meriwether Farm course.

Deep mud caused by yesterday's rain caused times to be slower than usual.

In addition to the main race, there were three pony races, reintroduced after a 25-year absence. The medium ponies race was a photo finish, as Phantom of the Opera edged Thistledown.

The Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds event marked the beginning of the Baltimore-area steeplechase season.

1st--flat race, 1mi.

Caveat Fumator (rider unavailable)

Political Prophet (A. Merryman)

Dancin' Shoes (J. Robinson)

2nd--Howard Co. Cup,

open timber, 3mi.

Shining Beacon (J. Fisher)

Pacific Parley (J. Gillet)

Aristoskip (R.S. Williams)

3rd--The Meriwether, 1 1/4 mi.

Val D'Argent (J. Gillet)

Johnny Garland (rider unavailable)

Dandy (L. Collard)

4th--The Cattail River Pony Race

Small ponies

Hobby Horse May Fly (L. Offutt)

Natalie (K. Conaway)

Gambi (S. Morriss)

Medium ponies

Phantom of the Opera (M. David)

Thistledown (E. Voss)

Farnley Whist (A. Farland)

Large ponies

Cindylou (J. Kiser)

Somerset (C. Hinsdale)

Pebbles (J. Hough)

5th--Alda Clark Challenge Plate,

novice timber

Gus's Boy (J. Fisher)

Boomtown Bob (M. Elmore)

Crowned Monarch (W.B. Santoro)

6th--Owner-rider heavyweight race

Roman Tent (N. Schweitzer)

Architecture (S. Williams)

First Throne (J. Beasley)

7th--Founder's Cup

Overall winner--Manor Maid (M. Comer)

Woman winner--Charlie (L. Siegert)

Junior winner--Amber (L. Offutt)

Team winner--Marlboro Hunt Club