Raced in December each year, it is open to horses age three and older that are registered Maryland-breds and is contested on dirt over a distance of 1 mile (8 furlongs).
[1] The race was named in honor of William Jennings Sr. who was one of Maryland's all-time great horsemen.
His Glengar Farm was located six miles from "Old Hilltop" (Pimlico Race Course) on Smith Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland.
Jennings achieved national prominence in the late 19th century.
Among his good horses was 1887 Preakness Stakes winner Dunboyne, whom he bred, owned and trained.