The Middleburg Spring Races have become the quintessential event to welcome spring to Virginia, synonymous with the blooming of the daffodils and dogwoods. Surrounded by Virginia’s famous hunt country, the tradition continues on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023.
Thousands come to see some of the nation’s most athletic thoroughbreds compete at high speeds over hedges and timber. The prestige of $190,000 (estimated) in purse money brings the finest horses together for an afternoon of thrilling jump race action.
A great coup for the Middleburg Spring Races was securing the Temple Gwathmey, a race originally run in Rolling Rock, Pa. and then in Belmont, NY. This graded stakes hurdle has been held at Glenwood Park since 1990, and it lures the best hurdle horses in the country.
Their famous Alfred Hunt Steeplechase course is inspired by fences found at New Zealand and French race meets and boasts every type fence: ditches, banks, brush, timber, and coops, for a fanciful course designed by Mr. Paul Fout and Mr. Tommy Beach. Mr. Alfred Hunt was a stellar Master of the Rolling Rock Hunt, and this one-of-a-kind American racecourse is dedicated in his memory.
A Sporting Tradition
Every April, as a much-anticipated rite of spring, thousands of guests and race fans gather at Glenwood Park for Virginia’s oldest steeplechase. Steeped in tradition, it’s rich history dates back to the 1911 when Middleburg Hunt’s Master of Fox Hounds, Daniel Cox Sands, organized the first Middleburg Hunt Race Meet.
With its origins of foxhunting point-to-points, the Middleburg Spring Races has evolved into a world-class race event that resonates with a vast audience from Middleburg locals to the world’s elite race aficionados.
For tickets, call 540-687-6545 or visit middlespringraces.com.
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The 2023 NSA steeplechase season continues with the following events:
*Foxfield Races in Charlottesville – April 29
*Virgnia Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow – May 6
*Foxfield Fall Races in Charlottesville – October 1
*Middleburg Fall Races at Glenwood Park – October 7
*International Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow – October 21
*Montpelier Hunt Races in Montpelier Station – November 4
A complete list of 2023 NSA events can be found at nationalsteeplechase.com.
