Sporting Pursuits

Sporting Pursuits

Whether your horsey preference is steeplechase or racing on the flat, there’s truly something for everyone as fall approaches. Several annual big-time events will be staged all around the Middleburg area in the coming months, with additional racing at Colonial Downs. And now that pandemic restrictions have eased dramatically from a year ago, significant crowds and a major uptick in wagering also seem likely.

THROUGH SEPT. 7: COLONIAL DOWNS

For flat race fanciers, Colonial Downs Racing presented by Woodford Reserve continues its nine-week, 27-day campaign, highlighted by the 19th running of the Grade 3 Virginia Derby on Sept. 6. Racing at Colonial Downs takes place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. through Sept. 7 between Richmond and Williamsburg in New Kent.

“With increased purses, an expanded stakes schedule and more race days, we’re looking forward to hosting horsemen and horsewomen, players and patrons from across the country again this season,” said Jill Byrne, Vice President Racing Operations. “Colonial Downs offers a fantastic facility for horses and staff and two of the best surfaces known for safety and sound returns to the barn.”

OCT. 8: VIRGINIA FALL RACES AT GLENWOOD PARK

The rolling open space at Glenwood Park offers the best view and venue in Virginia steeplechase racing. Horses and jockeys will contend for total purse money of $140,000 over the pristine turf course amongst the century old oaks of the Virginia countryside.

The $30,000 National Sporting Library & Museum Cup returns as the marquee race of the day, a timber race run over three and one quarter miles, and the $25,000 Magalen O. Bryant Memorial will run in memory of Mrs. Magalen O. Bryant, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and staunch supporter of thoroughbred racing in the US and Europe.

OCT. 22: INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP AT GREAT MEADOW

The International Gold Cup, as always, will feature a fun day of tailgates and racing in beautiful Virginia horse country with seven races and total purses of $330,000, up from last year’s $275,000 and a 1930 stunning trophy from the King of Spain.

Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Gold Cup along with Will Allison, said he anticipates a crowd in excess of 20,000 for the event.

“We expect to fully be free of pandemic restrictions for the International Gold Cup,” Griffin said. “We are working on enhancing betting opportunities with smart phones as well as a tent geared toward younger racegoers in their 20s to 40s. Purse money will also be back to previous norms.”