The 94th running of the Virginia Gold Cup races is set to take place at Great Meadow in The Plains on Saturday May 4th! A combination of pari-mutuel timber, hurdle and flat races will highlight an afternoon complemented by tailgate and fancy hat competitions, and the Kentucky Derby simulcast.
On line tent and ticket sales will begin on January 7, 2019. The Tent Member and Reserved Space renewal date deadline is March 8, 2019. Upgrade requests and first time purchases will be place on our paid waiting list as they are received. For help in selecting your perfect Gold Cup ticket package, please call the Virginia Gold Cup Office at 540.347.2612.
North Side
Experience the race course from the North side of the track.
The North side is appealing to those guests who are coming to the races from areas North such as Fairfax, Washington, DC and Maryland. The views are of the final turn before heading down the final strech to the finish line. Don’t worry, you can view the beginning of the race on the big screens as well.
South Side
The South Side is located along the first and second turns in most of the races. If you are coming to the races from Winchester, Richmond, Fredericksburg or most of Fauquier County you will enjoy the ease of getting on & off Route 17 by booking a space here.
Your party can view the final stretch of the race course on the big screens, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action!
Members Hill
Members Hill – the who’s who of steeplechase can be found here along with our Corporate Sponsors, the expanded vendor village and more. Want to see the horses as the circle the paddock before the race? See the Terriers in action? Book a space today.
Tailgating & Activities
Tailgate Contest
Tailgating at the Virginia Gold Cup races is a time honored tradition so make the most of the day and participate in the Tailgate Contest. The best tailgates have a theme, decorations and special food and drinks recipes. Reserved tailgating spots are available on the Member’s Hill, North Rail and South Rail. When you reserve a tailgate spot you are eligible to enter the tailgate competition – and it is free! Tailgates are judged by a panel of local food and TV personalities.
If you have reserved a tailgate spot and would like to enter the competition, send your name, contact information, and tailgate spot number to info@bendurepr.com by 5pm on Thursday, May 2, 2019. Past prizes have included dinners and hotel stays, airline tickets and gift baskets.
Official drink: The Mint Julep
Hat Contest
Once again, we will be holding our popular hat contest on Race Day! Join the fun and excitement at 2:15pm in the paddock. A beautiful or whimsical hat celebrating the tradition of racing and the rites of spring are all that is needed to join! Head to the Paddock around 2:15 to get registered. Contest begins promptly at 2:15.
Categories Judged include:
1. Best Racing Theme
2. Funniest/Most Outrageous
3. Most Glamorous/Elegant
4. Best Child (under 18)
5. Best Men’s Showing
If you party is located in either the North or South areas of the course tell them at the gate that you are headed to the hat contest to join in the fun!
More details, ticket and pricing information is at www.vagold.com
