Likely easiest to ask this here:
With the Thorton Hill Point to Point (March 3rd) in Sperryville VA is there a fee per person or is it just per car? The website is a bit simplistic and I’m left to guess the real deal 
I’ll be in the area visiting and thought it will be a good way to spend a Saturday as any.
9 Races on the card - if the site is updated.
I think Thornton Hill, like most/all point to points, is per car. Glimmerglass I always have spare passes if you want to stop in Hunter’s Rest on your way out (you’ll pass Hunter’s Rest on the way from DC!) I should have a starter, mid-card.
My mistake.
If it’s not too far OTT, I believe the Eclipse people should recognize two different categories of steeplechaser:
IMO, Best Hurdler and Best Timber Horse.
[QUOTE=WhiteCamry;6144775]
If it’s not too far OTT, I believe the Eclipse people should recognize two different categories of steeplechaser:
[QUOTE=WhiteCamry;6144775]
If it’s not too far OTT, I believe the Eclipse people should recognize two different categories of steeplechaser:
Funny this should come up because I was talking with one of our “industry leaders” about this last week. Given the fact that the Eclipse awards these days are given based on money won with out consideration given to the “body of work” of a given horse. Prize money for Timber races is a fraction of that offered for Hurdle racing a Timber horse will never be considered. Saluter is a perfect example. So I suggested that a point system should be considered. Highest points given to the top stakes based on relevance rather then prize money. So if a Timber horse wins 2 of the top Timber stakes and places and or ran in another the award would have gone to that horse instead of horse like Black Jack Blues. Who was purchased over the summer in Europe. Only ran twice in the fall winning both in the biggest money races. (IMO Tax Ruling should have won, 6 starts, 2 stakes wins, and a 4th in a stake.)
My suggestion was summarily dismissed with, “it’ll never happen”
[QUOTE=Hunter’s Rest;6144644]
I think Thornton Hill, like most/all point to points, is per car. Glimmerglass I always have spare passes if you want to stop in Hunter’s Rest on your way out (you’ll pass Hunter’s Rest on the way from DC!) I should have a starter, mid-card.[/QUOTE]
I just spied the additional postings to this thread and many thanks Hunter’s Rest! Right now because of the folks I’m dragging along as would be hostages are on the fence I have to wait to see if it going will work. If the current good weather for the next few days continued into next weekend it would be a done deal.
Thanks for posting this, Evans36! I’ve never been to a steeplechase think it’s time to change that. I just did some surfing and am overwhelmed at the number of them in the south (much as I love VT, I’m a little envious). It looks like MD Hunt Cup takes the cake thus far.
But would it be better in some ways to go to a less fancy one, and potentially see more? If so, I’d love any suggestions.
Also, someone mentioned Saratoga, but I haven’t found a schedule showing steeplechase racing this year. Have I just missed it? And do they run them at the track? I don’t know why that seems odd to me.
[QUOTE=Saskatoonian;6157290]
Also, someone mentioned Saratoga, but I haven’t found a schedule showing steeplechase racing this year. Have I just missed it? And do they run them at the track? I don’t know why that seems odd to me.[/QUOTE]
The Saratoga schedule isn’t out yet however I doubt they’ll deviate from the pattern they’ve had over the last few years which is to make the 1st race on Thursday a steeplechase race.
Each race is held at the track on the inner turf course using the portable NSA fences put up and then taken down relatively easy. Timber racing is thrillingly crazy (and spooky at times) to watch whereas chasing at Saratoga rarely has any such heightened sensation.
Video: 2009 Saratoga AP Smithwick (won by Mixed Up)
While I like the fact that the Spa has chasing its a far different type of experience than the traditional ones cited in Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland and the Brandwine region. At Saratoga its too brief of a one-and-done experience and treated by most of the folks watching as simply a novelty - just as Jack Russel Terrier racing would be. Without the tailgating along the rail can be a bit of a disappointment comparatively so.
Edited to add – for visual comparison:
Video: 2011 VA Gold Cup - Steeplethon … which is in its own right one of the most unique steeplechase races with running through water …
Thanks, Glimmerglass! Much as I love Saratoga, and close as it is, that’s not what I’m looking for. It does look like I’d expect it to, run on the track. Now VA, 
count me in.
I love 'chasing but hate crowds so Warrenton (Airlie) , Old Dominion Hounds (Ben Venue)and Loudoun (Oatlands Plantation) are where I go.
Old Dominion out at Ben Venue is so pleasant and lovely. The driveway crossing/stone wall at Oatlands is great for photo opportunities.
If you still have an eye for timber racing, the Genesee Valley Hunt Races (in Geneseo, NY) are run in October. The feature race is the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup, at 3.5 miles over the timber.
How the heck did I miss GVH?! Brilliant! Thanks!
[QUOTE=Saskatoonian;6160741]
How the heck did I miss GVH?! Brilliant! Thanks![/QUOTE]
http://www.geneseevalleyhunt.org/Race%20web_files/2011RaceBrochure.pdf
Typically smaller fields but still enthusiastic fans - Rochester-based Wegman’s has been a good corporate partner for the event for the last few years.
As an aside - (video) they have a “heavy horse race” category?
[QUOTE=Saskatoonian;6157290]
Thanks for posting this, Evans36! I’ve never been to a steeplechase think it’s time to change that. I just did some surfing and am overwhelmed at the number of them in the south (much as I love VT, I’m a little envious). It looks like MD Hunt Cup takes the cake thus far.
But would it be better in some ways to go to a less fancy one, and potentially see more? If so, I’d love any suggestions.
Also, someone mentioned Saratoga, but I haven’t found a schedule showing steeplechase racing this year. Have I just missed it? And do they run them at the track? I don’t know why that seems odd to me.[/QUOTE]
The Hunt Cup is pretty causal even in the Subscribers’ parking. No you won’t see a lot of wife beater shirts and tank tops but you won’t feel out of place in jeans with a bucket of chicken and a can of beer.
I second Genesse Valley. They put a lot of effort out, do a great job and deserve the support.
Easiest to park this news here …
Following the end of this year’s Saratoga meet (Labor Day which is Sep 3rd) there will be an inaugural “Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga” on Saturday September 15th at the race course. None of the card will however be wagering races. These races will be in addition to the full slate of weekly steeplechase showcase races during the Saratoga Meet.
It would appear this is going to be a sort of bookend to the annual Open House racing that Saratoga has had free to the public before the start of the racing meet. That too featured five races or so held on the Sunday before the opening of the meet the next Wednesday. This really will be concentrating a lot of 'chasing activity in Saratoga this summer.
Steeplechase Times MAR 8, 2012 “Saratoga to host September steeplechase day”
Proceeds from the first annual Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will benefit local and equine charities. The New York Racing Association and National Steeplechase Association will team up for this event, which is planned to include steeplechase and flat racing. In addition, Saratoga’s famed infield will be accessible for the first time in more than 30 years, for sponsor and entertainment activities under corporate tents providing an exclusive, intimate view of the races.
“We are excited to partner with the National Steeplechase Association for the first-ever Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. “The most historic and prestigious racetrack in the country will be a fitting venue for this family-friendly event that will benefit local and equine charities.”
The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will present at least five races, four of them over hurdles and carrying purses totaling $100,000. The feature race will be the $50,000 Saratoga Steeplechase Cup.
“The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will be a very important addition to our fall championship season,” said NSA Director of Racing Bill Gallo. “Its strong purse structure will attract top-notch horses aiming for major races later in the fall.”
In addition to the thrill of the non-pari-mutuel races, other festivities will include music, equine exhibitions and shows, a 5K walk/run on the famous Saratoga Race Course, celebrities, an authentic barbecue along with other food selections, special carriage rides on the dirt race track, vendor village, and much more. As is the tradition at the Spa, a free giveaway is planned for all paid admissions.
More chasing good news …
3-9-12 “TVG to broadcast jump racing’s Cheltenham Festival”
TVG will televise the four-day 2012 Cheltenham Festival live from scenic Cheltenham Racecourse in England’s idyllic Cotswold region, beginning next Tuesday - March 13th. The Festival includes 28 events that feature the sport’s leading horses, jockeys and trainers.
Post time for each day’s first race will be 8:30 a.m. ET.
Highlighting the Cheltenham Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, scheduled for Friday at 10:20 a.m. ET. Contested at a distance of 3 5/16 miles over a course that includes 22 fences, the race is expected to feature a matchup between defending champion Long Run and two-time (2007, '09) winner Kauto Star. Long Run, a 7-year-old, is ridden by Ruby Walsh, while Kauto Star, a 12-year-old, is guided by Sam Waley-Cohen, two of jump racing’s most popular jockeys.
Highlighting the Cheltenham Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, scheduled for Friday at 10:20 a.m. ET. Contested at a distance of 3 5/16 miles over a course that includes 22 fences, the race is expected to feature a matchup between defending champion Long Run and two-time (2007, ’09) winner Kauto Star. Long Run, a 7-year-old, is ridden by Ruby Walsh, while Kauto Star, a 12-year-old, is guided by Sam Waley-Cohen, two of jump racing’s most popular jockeys.
Ray Paulick got the jocks reversed. Ruby rides the Nicholls trained horse, as per usual, and SaWaCo rides his father’s horse.
Btw, for those that don’t know, Sam Waley-Cohen is an amateur jockey (and a very wealthy one at that).
There’s My Lady’s Manor point to point on 4/14. Less formal and leads into the Hunt Cup.
http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mlm/directions.htm
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