On Saturday, May 3, when the flag drops and the announcer proclaims “they’re off!,” it will mark the beginning of the 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup races.
It’s one of the nation’s largest – and oldest – steeplechase events and the largest in the Washington, D.C. region. With more than 50,000 attendees, it is also one of the biggest outdoor events in Virginia.
Held every year on the same date as the Kentucky Derby, the Gold Cup is Virginia’s derby and is equally loved.
With elegantly dressed people surrounding lavish tailgates or enjoying tented parties, sleek thoroughbreds racing around a lush, green field with their jockeys in colorful racing silks while the crowd cheers them on, it is one of the most picturesque events in the U.S.
And, if the sounds of pounding hooves and the roar of the crowd isn’t exciting enough, there’s also sanctioned parimutuel wagering. The Virginia Gold Cup is one of only a few sanctioned steeplechase races in the Commonwealth.
Steeplechase racing offers a fast-action sport in a refined social setting and, at the Gold Cup, some of the best horses and jockeys compete over hurdles and timber fences.
In addition to tailgate entertaining, the event also draws a large number of corporations, organizations and companies from throughout the region who sponsor the event and entertain their top customers, employees and prospects.
Every year, tailgates and tents get more elaborate as they vie to win the Virginia Gold Cup Tailgate Competition. Judged by local celebrity newscasters and other VIPs, the competition is fierce and entrants go all out for the bragging rights of winning.
The Virginia Gold Cup hat contest is equally competitive with awards given to winning entries in five categories: Most glamorous or elegant, Funniest or Most Outrageous, Best Racing Theme, Best Child’s, and Best Men’s.
Held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. (5089 Old Tavern Road), Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. and 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport.
More information, as well as tickets, tailgate packages, boxes and tents for entertaining are available at www.vagoldcup.com.
(Photo at top by Richard Clay)
(This is a sponsored post on behalf of the Virginia Gold Cup.)