It all started in 1922 when eight area horsemen organized a four-mile race through the local countryside. 

Today, the event has grown to seven races run throughout the afternoon, over a formal cross-country racing circuit between two and four miles long. The mostly former thoroughbred race horses jump dozens of fences, railings and hedges, some over 4 feet in height along the grass circuit.   Riders and horses from around the county come to the Gold Cup to participate in the richest steeplechase in the world with its $100,000 purse.

The spectators can be just as entertaining as the races, ranging from casually-dressed people picnicking on blankets to formally-dressed groups in elegant and often over-the-top decorated tents and tailgating on steroids with  dining on gourmet food served on fine china and crystal. 

Between races, it’s fun to walk around the course and check out the all the tents, people and decorations.  Check out this video clip covering the races, horses and spectators, including many of the women wearing their traditional fancy hats.

Last year the event started with a few parachutists landing on the track along with a performance by the U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Unit. 

If you don’t bring your own food or beverages, beer, wine and food is available for sale at the race.

The weather in early May can be unpredictable, so plan on checking the forecast and dressing warmly if it’s forecasted to be cold. Last year the temperatures were about 20 degrees below the normal upper 60 degree mark and people shivered.

83rd Annual Virginia Gold Cup Steeplechase Races
Great Meadow
The Plains, Virginia (map it)

Directions – The Plains, VA is about 45 miles west of DC, but expect heavy traffic on I-66 the morning of the race. For directions, click here.

Date and Time – Saturday, May 3, 2008. Racing starts around 1:30 p.m, and the gates open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. 

Tickets – General Admission Car Pass – admits one car and up to six passengers to the North or South general parking and viewing areas – $75.00 and are available online in advance, $10.00 more the week of the race.  Children 11 and under are free with an adult.

Access to the paddock, finish line and winners circle requires an additional Members Hill pass – $45.00 per person.

Parking – Parking is included with your pass.

Images – from personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti __________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

In it’s 34th year, the race is also commemorating the Annapolis Subscription Plate, the first recorded formal horse race ever run in Maryland, back in 1743.

While not as well attended as the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3rd (watch here for upcoming details), the Marlborough Hunt Races usually have around 5,000 spectators.

The eleven steeplechase races over the course of the day include distances from ½-mile to over 3 miles. Check out the final race, the Governor’s Cup Hunt Club Challenge team competition, where teams of 4 riders pass a baton from rider to rider over the 2 mile course.

Attendees are encouraged to wear colonial costumes to celebrate the Annapolis Subscription Plate and the 300th anniversary of Annapolis.  And as usual, there will be a woman’s hat competition.

Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown Farm
3836 Wayson Road
Davidsonville, MD 21035 (about 1 hour from DC) (map it)

Date and Time – Sunday, April 6, 2008. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., post time at noon. Rain or shine. No pets.

Tickets – General admission is $5 with parking at $20.  Other options include advanced reserved railing parking ($80-$300 depending on location). Tickets are available at the gate.

Images – Flickr – steeplechase,  hunt race, pink hat

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Post from: The DC Traveler