One of the nation’s oldest and largest steeplechase events, the Virginia Gold Cup celebrates its ninety-ninth anniversary this year on Saturday, May 4, at Great Meadow (5089 Old Tavern Rd.) in The Plains.
Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out.
As one of the Washington, D.C. region’s largest and oldest outdoor events, more than 30,000 people come out in their race-day finest to socialize and entertain. The fashion at the event has become as popular with a variety of hats and a fiercely competitive hat contest. Celebrity judges will decide whose hats are the most impressive in the day’s hat contest. There is also an equally competitive tailgate contest with prizes for the top three winners.
The Gold Cup’s long-standing tradition beckons to national celebrities, local VIPs, D.C. politicians as well as visitors from around the world. Characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek thoroughbreds and exciting hoof-pounding competition, many companies have capitalized on what the day has to offer by getting involved with sponsorships, purchasing tents to entertain, and some actually end up doing business there.
Steeplechase offers a fast-action sport in a refined social setting and, at the Gold Cup, some of the best horses and jockeys compete over hurdles and timber fences. Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia’s horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop. It is Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby.
Gates open for the Virginia Gold Cup at 10 a.m. with the National Anthem and color guard pre-race at 12:30 p.m. The tailgate contest judging begins at 12:45 p.m. and the first of eight horse races will be underway at 1 p.m.
Tailgate packages, which now include tents in most areas, and Members Hill entertaining tents are available. Purchases can be made online at www.vagoldcup.com/va/tickets or by calling 540-347-2612.
Also back this year is the popular 1922 VIP Club. Guests will enjoy a private rail side tent with a prime view of the race course. Classic regional fare will be available throughout the day with open bar and signature cocktails. There’s also music entertainment, lawn games, raffle prizes, a Gold Cup souvenir, betting booth, private restrooms and more. Following the Gold Cup races, the Kentucky Derby will be shown live on the tent’s closed circuit TV. Cost is $250 per person.
Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. and is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport. To get there from Washington, D.C., take I-66 west to The Plains exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 south), follow signs to Great Meadow which will be on your left. Call 540-347-2612 for additional information or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.
The 2024 Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Virginia Equine Alliance, VHBPA, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.
