I dug this one out of the archives …
From The Baltimore Sun in September 1991
What Jim McKay has contributed to Maryland racing should be set in bronze so it can be recognized and preserved for perpetuity. No ulterior motive is involved. That’s not his style. This is a man with a deep love for the game and a willingness to give abundantly, without compensation, of his intellect, imagination and abilities.
McKay didn’t come in on a load of coal. He’s a “gentleman’s gentleman,” besides being that rare mix of an individual whose personal qualities are commensurate with his professional qualifications, which rates as praise in both directions. Although attention and status have come to him, via ABC-TV’s “Wide World of Sports,” the rewards haven’t altered his humble ways.
The goodness of McKay should be known and applauded. It was his idea that led to the establishment of the “Maryland Million,” a promotion that upgrades the thoroughbred industry to a new level of acceptability and has caused other states, such as California, West Virginia, Ohio and New Mexico, to utilize a similar pattern.
Where did the concept originate? How did McKay decide it would be such a viable factor for Maryland? It could be a long, boring story but that’s not the McKay way. "I was coming home from the first Breeders’ Cup, in California, 1984, and after I got through reading a book, I put it down and said to my, wife, Margaret, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if something along the lines of the Breeders’ Cup could be established in Maryland?’
– snip –
All McKay wants is for Marylanders to turn out and take pride in watching “their horses run” and for it to be an enjoyable afternoon. The day makes an extraordinary financial impact on the thoroughbred business, creating an exceptional pay day for the track it wouldn’t otherwise have, plus the value received by breeders, nominators, owners, trainers and others.
He’ll be missed 
