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by Bridgette Bonner
This fall, Valley families will gather to cheer on thoroughbreds and their riders in the 25th runnning of the Steeplechase.
Race director of the first Steeplechase
at Callaway Gardens in 1985, Nora
Garrard, said things seem to be progressing
every year. “The horse races are the
same for the most part, but we didn’t
have the events for kids, the terrier races,
the contests or the Top of the Turn. What
we had,” Garrard remembered, “was
Hurricane Warren the night before, so no
one could drive to the infield. Everyone
was bussed to the event. With that
Georgia red clay we found shoes stuck
out there for months!” she laughed. “It
seems like every year there is something
new, bigger and better.”
This year, convenience for parents factors into the “better” part of Garrard’s observation. Moms and dads, don’t hesitate to bring the kiddies along. There is plenty of fun to keep them busy. “Columbus really likes the idea of a Kids Corral, so we’ve added more to it,” said Lucy Knight, executive director of Steeplechase. “Parents can enjoy their day and bring the children along with them.”
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Start the day participating in the tailgate competition. The children can put their imaginations to work and help deck out the family car. Categories include “Most Fru-Fru,” “Most Festive” and “Most Southern Flair.”
Come with an appetite because Taste of the Chase kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with good Southern music and barbeque.
At 11:30 the Jack Russell terriers will compete in their annual race on Terrier Track in the infield, beginning with the flat race, followed by the hurdle races and stakes races.
Kids can get in on the racing first hand by entering the stick pony races. Three races will be held: one for ages 4 and under, one for ages 5-7 and one for ages 8-10. Following the three races will be the ultimate face-off—the winners’ lap. This activity is fun for everyone!
And you don’t have to be a jockey of throroughbreds or stick horses to wind up in the winner’s circle. There will be a Belmont Stakes Package raffle to win a day at the races at Belmont.
New this year are the family tents at the Top of the Turn. Get the whole crew, Grandma and Grandpa and cousin Eddy and his family together because 10 of you can spend the day under one of these 15 x 15 ft. tents.
“People don’t realize it but the Top of the Turn is a great place to watch the races!” Knight raved. “You can see the whole course from the Top of the Turn. It’s really a beautiful sight and a prime location.”
The first of the six horse races, the W.C. Bradley Maiden Timber Race, takes off at 1 p.m. The races will continue until 4 p.m., but the excitement does not end there. Following the day’s events will be live music and Firehouse subs.
“We are excited about celebrating our 25th year and doing all we can to create an atmosphere for a fun, family-filled day at The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens,” said this year’s race director, Peyton Farrar.
Steeplechase at Callaway has recently created a Facebook page where you can become a fan and enter contests for giveaways. For more information, visit steeplechaseatcallaway.org.
See you at the races!
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