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THE VIRGINIA
FALL RACES
Busy Race Weekend Slated
for 57th Running of the Virginia Fall Races
57th Running of the Virginia Fall Steeplechase Races Features Dorothy F. Smithwick Memorial Stake & Chronicle Cup Timber Classic
MIDDLEBURG, VA. Love horses? Come one hour outside of Washington D.C. to Virginia’s lush hunt country to experience great outdoor family fun during the 56th running of the Virginia Fall Race weekend held at Glenwood Park in Middleburg, Virginia on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd, 2011.
Like the leaves that change each fall, horse lovers traditionally descend upon Middleburg for this annual weekend to enjoy steeplechase racing, fox hunting, meander country roads, visit Civil War sights, tour wineries, shop for antiques and perhaps spend a night or two at a local inn or bed & breakfast.
Racing highlights for Saturday include the running of the two feature races; the NSLM/Chronicle Cup timber classic and new this year will be the Dorothy F. Smithwick Memorial Hurdle race. Dorothy “Dot” Smithwick passed away in June of this year and was integral part of both the Virginia Fall Races and the Field Hunter Championships. In addition, she was a major player in the Virginia Steeplechase world. As a leading trainer, she won many awards over the years with many of her wins occurring right here at Glenwood Park.
And Saturday only, there will be a “Family Fun Fair” with petting zoo, pony rides and more. Along with a full card of racing on Sunday, spectators will get a taste of fox hunting with the finals of the Field Hunter Championships of America being held right on the race course at 12 noon. So come early!
Throughout the weekend, the nation’s top steeplechase horses and riders will compete in over 12 timber, brush and turf races. Come sit amongst the shade of 100 year old oak trees and experience what is called “...the best view in steeplechasing” - where you can see the excitement at every fence.
Gates open both days at 11 am; post time is 1:30 pm. Tickets, box seats, rail side and tailgate picnic parking spaces can be purchased in advance by calling the Race Office at (540) 687-5662 or fax (540)687-4651. General Admission is $30.00 per car (4 people maximum). Race sponsorship opportunities and hospitality tents are also available. Groups and tour buses are welcome with advance arrangements. All proceeds from the race weekend to benefit the Inova Loudoun Hospital in nearby Leesburg, Virginia.
To reach Glenwood Park from the Washington DC area, take I-66 West and exit Route 50 West (Exit 57B towards Winchester). Drive approximately 25 miles to Middleburg and turn right at the stop light in Middleburg (Route 626, Foxcroft Road). Proceed 1 mile to entrance on right.
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