MALVERN, Pa.--Carl J. "Bunny" Meister was presented with the Stalwart of Steeplechasing Award in between races at the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, May 16.
Stalwart of Steeplechasing Award (Photo by Jim Graham)Following his passing in 2022, Skip Achuff's family created the Stalwart of Steeplechase Award to recognize those who epitomize the qualities Skip brought to the sport.
Nominees for the award represent the sport of steeplechase with professionalism, integrity, and dedication; uphold the rules of the sport; and prioritize the safety of horses and jockeys.
On behalf of the Achuff family, Radnor Hunt Races announced Carl J. "Bunny" Meister as this year's recipient of the fourth annual Stalwart of Steeplechase Award.
Bunny is a lifelong Brandywine Valley resident, landowner, race rider, foxhunter and volunteer.
He started riding before the age of 10, winning his very first maiden timber at Radnor in 1956 on John Strawbridge's Teddy Million, who was trained by Bob Tindle.
IN THE years that followed, he tackled many of the circuit's most challenging courses including My Lady's Manor, old Rolling Rock natural brush, Essex, Rose Tree, Maryland Hunt Cup, Grand National, Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Iroquois (winning two races that day on Burford Danner's Ambition and the timber on Jamaica Boy) and the Colonial Cup.
With a life centered around horses, Bunny served on the Devon Trophy Committee for over 50 years.
He was chairman of the Brandywine Hills Point to Point Committee for over 40 years.
He served on the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Committee for over 30 years, starting when it was revived and now run at its present location.
As an ardent steward of the land, Bunny chaired the Brandywine Valley Association's capital campaign which raised more than $3 million for conservation.
Love of all things equestrian runs deeply in his family - his late wife, Betty Baldwin Meister, was a legendary figure on the circuit, one of the top ladies' timber riders of her day, and a national show hunter rider.
Their oldest son Carl III ("Jay") chairs the Delaware Valley Point-to-Point Association, is on the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup committee, and acts as announcer for many of the Pennsylvania and Maryland meets.
Middle son Billy was a top timber rider for decades and is still an active trainer.
One of the folks who nominated Bunny for the Stalwart of Steeplechase award said that what sets him apart is not just his involvement in the past but his continued commitment to the sport over the decades.
Bunny's steadfast dedication has remained unwavering and serves as a testament to his enduring passion and love for the sport.
Bunny's contributions have left an indelible mark on the steeplechase community, inspiring generations of riders, organizers, and enthusiasts alike.
