INTERNATIONAL Photo by dillonkeenphotography.com
The International Gold Cup is one of the largest and most prestigious steeplechase race meets in the country.
T
he International Gold Cup, one of the most spectacular steeplechase events in the U.S., returns to Great Meadow on Saturday, October. 23 in the gorgeous countryside of The Plains. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the first race at 12:30 p.m. This year, tailgate packages and tents are available for spectators wanting to spend a fabulous afternoon in the Virginia countryside. “While the event will be live streamed again this fall, there is nothing as breathtaking as being there in person,” said William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association that oversees both the spring and fall events. “In person, you can hear the hoofbeats and see the horses and jockeys as well as the spectacular fall foliage around the area.” As with the spring Virginia Gold Cup races this past May, rail spaces will be spread out. Those attending must purchase a rail spot that comes with
GOLD CUP
Returns to Great Meadow on Oct. 23 10 tickets (10 wristbands, one reserved tailgate car pass and two general admission car passes.) The cost is $895 for a space along the racecourse fence and $795 for rail spaces one row back from the rail in either north or south areas. A limited number of spaces are available on Members Hill for $795. No individual tickets will be sold. Tailgate packages are available and purchases can only be made by calling 540-347-2612. A limited number of group and corporate tents are also available on Members Hill. The pandemic has financially impacted the equine industry in Virginia, one that’s extremely important to the Commonwealth’s economy. A 2018/19 report by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported that the horse industry brings more than $2 billion annually in economic development to the Commonwealth. The report also noted that there are more than
183,643 horses in the state that provide approximately 38,874 jobs. It also stated that there are 30.5% or one million households that contain horse enthusiasts. “It’s important to run these races so that we can continue to help out the equine industry,” Allison said. “So many jockeys, trainers and industry employees are dependent on these races and have been training all year for them.” Al Griffin, president of the National Steeplechase Association, said that, “Spectators can expect to be back to the overall Gold Cup experience.” The 2021 International Gold Cup Races are presented by Brown Advisory, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Virginia Equine Alliance and the Virginia Breeders Fund. Information on tickets and live streaming can be found at vagoldcup.com and 540-347-2612.
SHOP-IN-SHOP
COMING THIS FALL to the Loft above the Feed Store
7408 JOHN MARSHALL HWY M A R S H A L L , VA 2 0 1 1 5 540-364-1891 TRICOUNTYFEEDS.COM
Country ZEST & Style | Fall 2021
13
