Virginia Gold Cup Moved To May 29, Will Allow Limited Spectators

Every May, on the same date as the Kentucky Derby, one of the nation's largest steeplechase events takes place in Northern Virginia. As an event that has been run on the first Saturday in May for the past 95 years, the Virginia Gold Cup is considered to be Virginia's answer to the Kentucky Derby. This year that date will change to May 29.

Last year, the event moved to June 27 and ran without spectators. It was livestreamed without charge so its many fans could watch online.

This May marks the 96th year for the event and organizers have completely overhauled the spectator portion to comply with COVID-19. The event will now run on May 29 with limited ticket packages for sale. Spectators will be allowed in a reduced number of pre-purchased rail spaces that will ring the entire racecourse. No corporate tents will be allowed on site. Rail spaces will be spread out and will be larger than in past (12' wide by 20' deep.) Those attending must purchase a rail spot that comes with 10 tickets (10 wristbands, one reserved tailgate car pass and two general admission car passes.) The cost is $675 for a rail space on Member's Hill and $500 for rail spaces on north or south areas around the racecourse. No individual tickets will be sold.

Limited ticket packages are available and purchases can only be made by calling 540-347-2612. Sales are on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Attendees who have had a regular rail spot year-after-year will not receive that space this year and those who acquire a rail space this year will not receive any privileges for subsequent years. In 2022, the event will revert back to its space reservations of 2019 as there are a number of people who have held specific spaces at the race for years.

“A final ruling on the event is expected from the Governor a month before the race. Should something happen with Covid-19 between now and April 15, we will be able to adjust accordingly,” explained Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “In the interim, we'll accept space reservations but they'll be very limited.”

Covid-19 restrictions will limit the availability of food at the event. “All spectators will have to bring their own food and drink,” Allison continued. Some catering will be available for on-site pickup (see website for details.)

The pandemic has severely financially impacted the equine industry in Virginia. It is an industry that's very 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 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 and provide some income,” stated Allison. “So many jockeys, trainers and industry employees are dependent on these races.”

For more information visit vagoldcup.com. The website will be updated as additional information becomes available.

The 2021 Virginia 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.

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Virginia Gold Cup Moved to May 29 with Spectators

The Virginia Gold Cup, one of the country's oldest steeplechase races and traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, will be moved for 2020 to Saturday, May 29. Contested last year in June and livestreamed without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's edition will allow limited spectators. Ticket packages are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis with regular space reservations reverting to tradition in 2022.

“It's important to run these races so that we can continue to help out the equine industry and provide some income,” said Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “So many jockeys, trainers, and industry employees are dependent on these races.”

For more information, visit vagoldcup.com.

 

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Quartet Of Steeplechase Events To Be Streamed Live For Free This Fall

With COVID-19 eliminating, or severely limiting, live spectators at fall steeplechase races from Pennsylvania to Georgia, race organizers were struggling with decisions on whether or not to continue with their race plans.  Since the pandemic, and with events not allowed to have spectators in much of the U.S., there has been a large decrease in equestrian events. Many of those employed in the industry face potential unemployment and financial hardship. Additionally, many non-profits usually receive funding and increased awareness through relationships with steeplechase race meets.

In an effort to help alleviate the hardship on the industry and their partners, the National Steeplechase Association has stepped up and is livestreaming several fall race meets.  These efforts by NSA allow the horses to race, while spectators enjoy the sport from their homes, and associated non-profits – including land conservation organizations, community hospitals and food banks— continue to have a spotlight on their great work. Over the past years, steeplechase events have contributed millions to community nonprofits.

“We wanted to provide a venue for the steeplechase/racing industry to be able to get horses out and receive some financial support in the form of purse money while continuing to create exposure for non-profit beneficiaries,” explained Dr. William Allison, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association, the organization that oversees the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup. “Thanks to the NSA, horsemen have been able to continue training their equine athletes and fans can still enjoy the racing through Live Stream viewing.”

Race fans and equestrian enthusiasts can easily “Jump into Fall!” and view the Live Stream at http://nsa.network.video/ on the following dates:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24 – International Gold Cup; The Plains, Virginia
  • Sunday, Nov. 1 – Pennsylvania Hunt Cup; Unionville, Pennsylvania
  • Saturday, Nov. 7 – Steeplechase at Callaway; Pine Mountain, Georgia
  • Sunday, Nov. 15 – Steeplechase of Charleston; Hollywood, South Carolina

Race day start times generally kick off at 12:30 pm; final start times will be posted on the NSA website 48 hours before each race meet.  Expert commentary will be provided by industry insiders Megan Connolly and Joe Clancy, with guest appearances from other sporting notables.

Unlike flat track racing, steeplechase racing provides the thrills and excitement of Thoroughbred horses racing over fences. By most accounts, the first steeplechase race was held in 1752 in Ireland. Today's sport is a true celebration of the long and close relationship between man and the horse. Riders depend on the athleticism, strength, speed and sure-footedness of their horses to carry them safely over varied fences.

“While COVID restrictions have made race meets challenging this year, we hope to be able to bring in new spectators who may want to see and learn about steeplechase racing,” said Al Griffin, president of the NSA. “It's an exciting sport that relies on a partnership between riders and horses—not something you see with other sports. The live stream provides an opportunity for the public to see what it's all about, free of charge.”

This year, the Live Stream will capture that excitement as well as gorgeous fall scenery in some of the country's most beautiful equestrian regions. The complimentary Live Stream productions have been sponsored by Brown Advisory, Charleston's The Post & Courier, Bruton Street-US and the Virginia Equine Alliance.

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Top Timber Contenders Andi’amu, Doc Cebu Will Line Up In Saturday’s Virginia Gold Cup

This year, for the first time in its 95-year history and due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Virginia Gold is being held as a livestream event only—no spectators. As one of the largest steeplechase race meets in the U.S., the usual 60,000 on-site spectators and the roar of the crowd as horses race for the finish will be missed by many.

On Saturday, June 27, the Virginia Gold Cup will be livestreamed starting at 12:15 p.m. EDT. Jockeys, trainers, grooms and only essential personnel are allowed on the race grounds and all are following strict CDC and health department guidelines. The livestream is available at no cost and may be seen at this link http://nsa.network.video/.

A total of 106 horses will run in 10 races on the 27th with $220,000 in purse money, and the signature race is the Virginia Gold Cup with its $40,000 purse. While the other races have as many as 14 contenders, the Virginia Gold Cup is a timber race that requires stamina and ability. The race is four miles, which is long for many horses (the hurdle races throughout the day are 2-1/8 miles long.)

While the Virginia Gold Cup has attracted a quality field of entries, two horses in particular stand out—Andi'amu and Doc Cebu. They are timber champions and each horse has a solid record. In 2019, Andi'amu won the Virginia Gold Cup by three lengths. Doc Cebu won the International Gold Cup in 2017 with an 11-length victory and he won again in 2018. He was second in the esteemed 2020 Middleburg Hunt Cup two weeks ago against Andi'amu, the winner.

Another contender for the Virginia Gold Cup is Schoodic. He won the 2019 International Gold Cup and Genesee Valley Hunt Cup. He opened his timber career in 2019 with three starting victories. Other entries include Lemony Bay, Super Saturday, Curve of Stones, Storm Team and Codrington College—all are formidable contenders.

The Virginia Gold Cup race gets underway at 3 p.m. EDT on June 27. There are also other exciting races throughout the day. The Steeplethon, a three-mile timber race at 1:30 p.m. takes horses and jockeys around a very unusual course that includes a big splash as horses gallop across a pond as part of the course.

In addition to racing, there will be virtual tailgate, hat and trivia contests throughout the day. Learn more at : www.facebook.com/vagoldcup, www.instagram.com/virginiagoldcup/ or @vagoldcup. Be sure to include #vagoldcup2020. Entries must be sent by midnight Saturday, June 27. Winners will be selected by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 29 and notified on the week of June 29. The winning tailgate (first place) will receive an Oakwood Box to the 2020 International Gold Cup. Runners up and hat contest winners will receive Gold Cup t-shirts, commemorative cups, and Gold Cup hats. For the tailgate contest, three winners will be selected in first, second and third place based on creativity, theme and quality of menu. For the hat contest, five winners will be selected—most glamourous, most outrageous, best racing theme, best men's hat and best child's hat.

Trivia questions throughout the day on the 27th will include questions to action on the livestream. First respondents with correct answers will be able to win tickets to future Gold Cup races, hats, shirts, etc.

“We hope some of our many Virginia Gold Cup fans will celebrate the day with safe-distancing watch parties, tailgating and hat contests,” stated Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association.

For more information on the 95th running of the Virginia Gold Cup, visit vagoldcup.com.

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