26th Running of the Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens
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A Fun-Filled Day of Tailgating and Horse Racing Benefits the Arts 10/12/10 Horses will take center stage at Callaway Gardens® once again for the thrills, chills and thoroughbred majesty of one of the world’s oldest and most exciting sports – steeplechasing. Set for Saturday, November 6, The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens is one of 36 stops on a 12-state tour that includes some of the country’s finest tracks and top steeplechase jockeys. One of the Nation’s Top Steeplechase Events Steeplechasing, which
primarily features horses converted from flat racing, allows
spectators to see these horses at their athletic best as
they jump over 52” high hurdles at premium speeds. The 2 3/8-mile course at Callaway Gardens long has been
considered one of the most beautiful steeplechase sites in
the United States. The 200-acre site is cradled in
hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with rolling hills
overlooking Pine Mountain Ridge. The scenery is
punctuated with striking colors of the changing leaves. It
is a wonderful setting for a day in the country. A 20’
x 27’ video screen allows Terrace and Guarantor patrons to
follow the action all the way around the track, including
the start, back stretch and finish. The Steeplechase at Callaway
Gardens includes six main races with a total purse of
$160,000. These races are the W.C. Bradley Maiden
Timber; The Collie Jennings Mullin Amateur Hurdle sponsored
by CB&T; AFLAC Championship Supreme Hurdle; Crown Royal
Sport of Queens Stakes; Suntrust Highweight Hurdle; and the
Skanska Flat Race. Prior to the main race action, the
event features the Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony Race and the
V’roooom Technology Inc. Junior Hunter Race. Once again this year, the
fun will extend beyond the track with a series of family
activities and special events. The Infield will come
alive throughout the day with entertainment ranging from
annual Jack Russell Terrier races to stick pony races
permitting children to dash down the track to claim prizes
while experiencing the thrill of the ‘chase.’ In
addition, there will be a hat contest and tailgate
competition both with a variety of categories. Also
for children is a Kids Corral providing many fun activities
for children under the age of 10 such as inflatable slides,
popcorn and cotton candy. Kids Corral wristbands are only
$20. New for the 2010 Steeplechase The 2010 race director is Kate McGrory. New to
Columbus several years ago, McGrory is an avid horsewoman
who for the past three years has volunteered with the
Steeplechase serving in Race Operations and hospitality for
Owners and Trainers. McGrory introduces a new venue combining two southern
traditions, barbeque and college football, in one large
tent. For $25 patrons can enjoy an upscale BBQ lunch
while keeping up with football games and scores broadcast on
large-screen TVs. Complimentary beers and wines will
be served. BBQ and Ballgames replaces Galloping
Gourmets. Tickets must be purchased in advance by
calling the Steeplechase office at 760-324-6252. A
limited number of tickets are available. Also new this year is a designated area to “bring your
own tent” at the Start on the Rail. Previously,
individual tents were not permitted. However, the
Steeplechase committee decided to test this idea suggested
by a patron. Reserve the space, which includes six
tickets and one parking pass, and drive your car right up to
the spot and unload your own tent, chairs and picnic. Supporting the Arts The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens is more than a day
at the races. Race Chairman Mason Lampton was the
visionary who combined his love of steeplechasing with the
community’s needs. “Our mission has always been to
financially support the arts in our community using the
Steeplechase as a vehicle to do so,” said Lampton. “This has
proven to be a positive experience for everyone, both by
adding a sporting event which is entertaining for all ages
and so far has allowed us to contribute a total of $2.7
million to the arts in this region.” Beneficiaries
include The Columbus Museum, The Columbus Symphony
Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, The Ida Cason
Callaway Foundation and The Springer Opera House. An
additional partnership with Auburn University's College of
Veterinary Medicine is made possible through the proceeds. Infield tickets are $25 per person. Box seats range
from $325 for six to $500 for six. Tent packages begin at
$800 for six and are available for entertaining larger
families or corporate guests. Reserved Rail Packages in the
Infield are $270 for six. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org; by calling 706-324-6252;
and at the front desks of Callaway Gardens’ Lodge and Spa
and Mountain Creek Inn beginning Saturday, October 9th.
Same-day tickets will be available at the gate on Nelson
Road off of Ga. Hwy. 18. The easiest way to enjoy Steeplechase is to stay at one
of Callaway Gardens’ many choices of accommodations. A
variety of
Steeplechase overnight packages are available that
include tickets to Steeplechase, overnight accommodations, a
Saturday breakfast, a Sunday champagne brunch, admission to
Callaway Gardens and use of a fitness center. To
reserve your overnight package, visit
www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY
(225-5292). The entrance to Steeplechase is begins at the
intersection of Ga. Hwy. 18 and Nelson Road. Gates
open at 10 a.m. Entertainment in the infield begins at
10:30 a.m. and Post Time is 12 p.m. A
race day schedule is available online. For more information about The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, call 706-324-6252 or visit www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org. |
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