This is a vintage sterling silver trophy tray with figural horse head handles. Made by Schofield of Baltimore, Maryland, this tray was given to the winner of a steeplechase in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1929. It is inscribed: "The Eastern Horse Club Hunters Steeplechase, Saratoga, New York, August 23rd 1929, Plate Presented by Eastern Horse Club, Won by, Mr. T. Hitchcock's Lougsor." Thomas Hitchcock (1860-1941) was an important member of the Piping Rock Club of Locust Valley, New York. In the November 2021 club newsletter, they printed an article from their archives written by Gil Chapman. This article offers a very interesting biography of Mr. Hitchcock.

"From the Club's Archives:

Thomas Hitchcock Sr.:
He is the father of one of the world's most famous polo players, Thomas Hitchcock, Jr.Hitchcock was born in 1860 at his home in Westbury. He went to college at Oxford University in England where he played polo for the school's team. He graduated in 1883 and returned to the United States.He was a key figure in developing the sport of polo in our country. In 1887, he and his friend August Belmont, Jr. were part of the group that organized the first polo match played on Long Island. It was played on the infield of the racetrack at the Mineola Fair Grounds. He was one of the first 10 goal players (the highest ranking a player can get) in the U.S. In 1891, Hitchcock formed the Meadow Brook Polo Club.
Hitchcock's connection to Piping Rock Club was early on. He served as a Governor from the first meeting of the Board in 1911 until his death in 1941. In 1936 he was appointed the Club's delegate to the United States Polo Association. Given his passion for fox hunting, he undoubtedly came over with the Meadow Brook Hounds to hunt on the Piping Rock Estate property.
In 1973, he was inducted posthumously into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and in 2002 into the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame.
True to the old adage that an apple doesn't fall far from the tree; his son was not only a 10 goal player, but was considered by many experts, at the time he played, to be polo's greatest player."
25" across the handles. Tray: 18 1/4 x 14 1/2". Total Weight: 73.8ozt.