I had no idea until I stumbled upon a COTH thread that steeplechases were even on “this side of the pond”. I would really love to attend a race and learn more about it. Does anyone have recommendations for the best places or races to spectate? We are in Canada and I couldn’t find any information on any races up here but I believe we have a few states close to us with tracks.
My steeplechasing knowledge comes exclusively from Dick Francis novels :lol:
Tell me everything!
See also various state’s and hunt’s “point-to-point” information.
Have fun!
[QUOTE=AgainstAllOdds;8710130]
I had no idea until I stumbled upon a COTH thread that steeplechases were even on “this side of the pond”. I would really love to attend a race and learn more about it. Does anyone have recommendations for the best places or races to spectate? We are in Canada and I couldn’t find any information on any races up here but I believe we have a few states close to us with tracks.
My steeplechasing knowledge comes exclusively from Dick Francis novels :lol:
Tell me everything![/QUOTE]
Check out the Saratoga schedule as it includes steeplechase in its fall meet, I think.
For more authoritative reads on chasing, the late Ivor Herbert wrote many books on the suject. Most out of print but check out Abebooks or Amazon to see what is available.
Monmouth also has hurdles races over the turf course… caught a few yesterday while watching TVG.
Yeah, TVG is on a lot but often it is for noise more than I watch it all day everyday day 
[QUOTE=AgainstAllOdds;8710130]
I had no idea until I stumbled upon a COTH thread that steeplechases were even on “this side of the pond”. I would really love to attend a race and learn more about it. Does anyone have recommendations for the best places or races to spectate? We are in Canada and I couldn’t find any information on any races up here but I believe we have a few states close to us with tracks.
My steeplechasing knowledge comes exclusively from Dick Francis novels :lol:
Tell me everything![/QUOTE]
You asked the question I was gonna…but I’ve been watching the ‘jumps’ for years. Would also like to know if there is a set definiton for any and all races that involve jumps, and what are the weight requirements for the jocks, and temperament for the mounts.
And so on, ad infinitum…
Temperament for the mounts varies pretty widely, they’re TBs so you have everything from super hot and nutty to quiet enough to do short stirrup in their spare time. Most of the races are either hurdle races (over portable artificial brush fences also called “National” fences or real brush fences) or timber races, over post and rail hunting fences. Hurdle horses sort of jump out of a gallop stride, long and flat, timber horses tend to have a rounder jump more like a show horse.
Race lengths vary but most of the hurdle races are about two miles with the timber races being longer. Jockey weights vary, too, depending on horse age and sex, and the quality of the race (claiming/ allowance/stakes).
AFAIK the furthest north National Steeplechase Association races are in New York-- Genesee Valley is probably closest to Canada along with Saratoga and Belmont. But some hunts have unsanctioned jump races as well.
Around here they are popular with spectators for tailgate parties-- lots of fun extras geared toward kids as well.
www.nationalsteeplechase.com is a good place to start. You can see the conditions (qualifications) for current races here: http://www.nationalsteeplechase.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ConditionsBook.pdf
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