Old Paddock, 1951
In 1955, Dwight Eisenhower stored his golf clubs at the White House. Twenty-two thousand people lived in all of Loudoun County and the inaugural running of the The Virginia Fall Races was held at Glenwood Park. The 1955 edition of Steeplechasing in America reported,
Mrs. M. A. Bryant, a long time VA Fall Race Committee member, presents the Chronicle Cup trophy in 1959
"...an additional day of racing on the Glenwood Park Race Course in October was given by a new group, running at The Virginia Fall Race Meeting. Realizing that the Autumn season in Virginia was too short, the late George L. Ohrstrom, Russell M. Arundel and Alexander Mackay-Smith quickly agreed in late July to a suggestion by the NSA...
Hall of Fame rider Joe Aitcheson tackles an old natural brush fence in 1970
Under the chairmanship of Mr. Daniel C. Sands, the race meeting was well received by owners, trainers, and spectators alike. Good racing and good weather marked the day and as a result the Race Committee was able to make a substantial donation to Loudoun Hospital."
Hall of Fame rider Paddy Smithwick showcasing the riding style he made famous
Over sixty years later, the tradition continues. Some of the very same families remain associated with The Virginia Fall Meeting. Our Race Committee consists of local steeplechasing and fox hunting enthusiasts who wish to preserve the countryside and the place of horse sports in it.
Halfday (left) Winner Castleville (right) 2nd 1966
Mr. George Strawbridge clears a timber fence on his way to winning the Chronicle Cup aboard Augustin Stable's FOR BRAVERY, in 1967