The famous International Gold Cup, one of the largest steeplechase events in the U.S., returns to Great Meadow on Saturday, Oct. 22. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the first race at 12:30 p.m. New to the event last year and again this year, tickets are sold only with packages and tailgates, boxes and tents are available.
“The fall International Gold Cup has become the premier fall event in the state,” said Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association that oversees both the spring and fall events. “It is just breathtaking to be there in person where you can hear the hoofbeats and see the horses and jockeys as well as the spectacular fall foliage around the area.”
Attendees 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 $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. And there are some smaller spaces for $400 that accommodate a vehicle and up to four attendees. 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 had a financial impact on Virginia's equine industry with the cancellation of race. It's 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.
“We are delighted to see a comeback for the horse industry in Virginia,” stated Allison. “So many jockeys, trainers and industry employees are dependent on these races and the purses they win from them.”
For more information visit vagoldcup.com.
The 2022 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.
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