THE VIRGINIA GOLD CUP CELEBRATES 83 YEARS

02-15-2008

 

Virginia’s Equivalent of the Kentucky Derby Gears Up

 

WARRENTON, Va., January 15, 2008 -- One of the nation’s largest steeplechase races celebrates its 83rd anniversary this year on Saturday, May 3, 2008.  Approximately 50,000 people will gather at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia to socialize and watch some of the finest horses in the world compete over the lush green course.  Held every year on the first Saturday in May (the same day as the Kentucky Derby), the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop.

 

This event has become a long-standing tradition and is attended by national celebrities, local VIPs, Washington, DC politicians as well as visitors from around the world.  Characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek thoroughbreds and exciting hoof-pounding competition, steeplechase racing is said to combine the best of fast-action sports with a refined social setting.   This is one of the Washington, D.C. region’s largest and oldest outdoor events.

 

The 83rd Annual Running of the Virginia Gold Cup will take place on Saturday, May 3 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Gates open at 10 a.m. with pre-race entertainment starting at 11 a.m. including a Terrier Race Exhibition, the Junior Field Master Chase, and the Blackwater USA Parachute Team.   The first of seven horse races, including the Junior Field Master Chase gets underway at 12:15 pm. General admission car passes are $75 in advance, $85 the week of the race (allows entry of car and up to 6 occupants).  Sponsorship and hospitality packages are available. 

 

A long-standing Virginia tradition, the Junior Field Master Chase gives young riders a chance to demonstrate their riding skills before large race crowds, an experience especially important to riders who may be planning to make race riding a career. 

 

Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, DC and is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport.  To get there from Washington, DC, take I-66 west to The Plains exit.  Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 south), follow signs to Great Meadow which will be on your left.  Call 540-347-2612 for additional information or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.

 

The Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Galen Capital Corporation with race sponsorship support from Blackwater USA, Infinitive, Novo Nordisk and Creighton Farms. Race day activities are underwritten by The Virginia Lottery, Watson Wyatt Worldwide, NTRC, Wildblue Communications, Nelson Cable, Farm and Ranch Magazine, and Capital Party Rental. Official providers of the Virginia Gold Cup Races are Grand Cuisine, Bonterra Wines, Coca-Cola, Dogtopia, Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, Miller Brewing Co., and Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

 

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