“Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you
ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along,
too.”
Lawrence
Bixby
ever and is wonderful driving under those majestic trees.
We
pulled in the red gate per our parking pass, parked, and put up the
party canopy. Then we unloaded all the wonderful food that Lynn
prepared for the day. She prepared a wonderful gourmet Greek meal.
She brought all her catering dishes and set everything up with
sternos and it was truly wonderful. Lynn did an amazing job. I’m
not sure how she does it but everything was just perfect. As the food
heated up, we all sat around and enjoyed each others company while
waiting for the races. It was a very cold and cloudy day in the
morning with wind gusts that would make us go grab the legs of the
canopy and hold on.
The
Aiken Steeplechase Association is a nonprofit organization and they
host two steeplechase races per year. There is the Imperial Cup in
March (Spring Steeplechase) and the Holiday Cup in October and the
organization gives back to the Aiken Community through donations to
local charities. There is a volunteer board of directors and
community members who support the steeplechase in Aiken.
The
Steeplechase Association was founded in 1930 by a few influential
horsemen like Thomas Hitchcock, Temple Gwathmey, and Harry Worchester
Smith. The first race was run in Hitchcock Woods and over a
thousand people watched it including children on ponies so they could
get a better view. There was a 25 year break in the races due to
war and civic development. It was started back in 1967.
So
here we are today, shivering a little when the sun went behind the
clouds but then it warms up nicely when the sun peaks out its head.
Thousands of people come these races to watch the horses, picnic, and
enjoy the day with friends. Today they had five races for the
thoroughbreds and four of the races were over the jumps. They announce our National Anthem over the speaker and you hear a group of children singing it. We all loved it. It was so cute.
This
is a family event so along with the races they have the Village of
Shops to go see and shop. They sell jewelry, art, clothing, and
even pet adoptions. It is a nice place to walk around and I love
the horse statue in the middle of it all. I walked around prior to
the beginning of the races. They had a hat contest today that I
didn’t see but I did notice there were not as many hats today as in
the Spring time.
After
walking through the shopping area, I notice the kids lining up for a
stick horse race. How fun and the English announcer made it funny
with his commentary. What a fun event for the kids. They had
different age divisions racing but the littlest ones were the funnest
to watch. There is also the Paddock Playground and crafts set up
for the kids to do. They had a costume contest as well as trick or
treating for the children.
When
I got back to our rail site, dinner was ready. Lynn, made pork
Gyros, Greek sausage along with a Greek salad, fruits, humus, and
other sides. My oh my, it was great food and gourmet. There was
no lack of food so we were very well fed. Thanks Lynn and James for
doing such a wonderful job.
Check out the BBQ truck I spotted on my walk. I love it. Walking
around, most people were set up nicely with canopy’s decorated for
the fall, flowers, Halloween decorations, pumpkins, linen
tablecloths, and great food and drinks. Some even grill out while
they are there. Most people have fancy meals set up for their group
but some just brought it take out meals like chicken. You can also
buy food there so no one goes hungry. Our rail site most definitely
had the best food at the Park that day.
After
a few friendly bets, the races started. This is such a great event
as the horses come right up close to you and they are such gorgeous
animals. It was exciting watching the horses jump the fake hedges..
They appear to fly for a short ways. I worry every time the horse
jump that one will not make it over. I always say a silent prayer
for their safety and the riders. The horses run so gracefully and
are truly beautiful animals.
“Horses
make a landscape look beautiful.” Alice Walker
After
the first race was the Carriage Parade. That is always fun to
watch. There were some beautiful carriages. So the tradition of
the Steeplechase carries on. The very first race was in 1752 in
Ireland and was a race over wager. Not much has changed.
The
weather improved greatly by the end of the day and it was lovely
spending the day with our friends. By the end of the day there were
blue skies and sunshine. If you have never been, it is a great
event and so worth going. Spring time will be here before you know
it and another steeplechase to go and see.
“I
believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends. I’m surrounded by
angels, and I call them my best friends.” Pamela Daranjo
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