Ruthless, winner of first Belmont Stakes, killed by a hunter at "Oakland Manor"

In 1867 the first Belmont Stakes race was held at the new Jerome Park racecourse.  A filly won. Ruthless was raised by Francis Morris (1811-1886) at Throggs Neck, now part of NYC.  Morris also owned farms in Texas and "Oakland Manor" near Ellicott City where Ruthless was shot in 1876.  In her short career, Ruthless ran in 11 races: won 7 and second in 4, before an injury.  Her first foal Battle Axe, won the Kentucky Stakes at Saratoga in 1873.

Charles Sterrett Ridgely's name change and Oakland

Charles Ridgely Sterrett (1782-1847) legally changed his surname as requested by his mother's uncle Capt. Charles Ridgely, the builder of "Hampton" when he died in 1790.  Another heir of the childless Ridgely, Charles Carnan also added Ridgely to his name and inherited Hampton.  Built in 1811, Oakland underwent changes during its years of many owners. It is at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia.