Wednesday, October 29, 2003
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Wednesday, October 29, 2003 |
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Steeplechase continues this weekend at Callaway The U.S. leg of the $1 million “Sport of Kings” Challenge is scheduled for Saturday at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain. This prestigious event defines the country’s next great steeplechase horse. The series, which begins in Leesburg, Va., will turn to Far Hills, NJ, before coming to The Gardens at Callaway. It will then continue to Cheltenham, England, for the final races. The “Sport of Kings” Challenge is a unique steeplechase series designed to link horsemen on both sides of the Atlantic. The Challenge was developed by the International Steeplechase Group, an organization dedicated to the perpetuation of amateur racing and the promotion of the sport of steeplechasing. The series of five races is open to horses three years old and older that have not won a race over hurdles or steeplechase fences prior to June 1, 2002. This results in a series featuring the best young steeplechasers in the world. The 2 3/8-mile course at Callaway has been cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The 200-acre site is cradled by hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with rolling hills overlooking the Pine Mountain Ridge. The plush turf and fully irrigated oval track is a challenge to horses and their mounts. In addition to the $100,000 AFLAC U.S. Championship Supreme Hurdle, additional races include the W. C. Bradley Maiden Timber; Columbus Bank and Trust Foxhunter’s Chase; The Crown Royal George Sloan Amateur Hurdle; and The SunTrust Maiden Hurdle Race. There also will be the Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony race sponsored by Merrill Lynch, the V’Roooom Junior Hunter race and The Midland Foxhounds’ Flat race. Watching beautiful thoroughbreds race is only one part of this family day in the Autumn countryside. ÊOn race day the Infield is packed with entertainment from Jack Russell terrier races to the annual “Taste of the Chase” celebration featuring a variety of succulent Southern foods. There will be a blacksmith demonstration; the Atholl Highlanders pipes and drums performances; a rock climbing wall; face painting; pony rides and more. Not only is the Steeplechase a fun-filled day for the entire family, but it also benefits several arts organizations. Since 1985 the event has distributed more than $1.7 million to these worthwhile groups: Êthe Columbus Museum; Columbus Symphony Orchestra; Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc.; Ida Cason Callaway Foundation; The Springer Opera House; the Lamar Dodd Art Center; Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum; and the Auburn Veterinary Sports Medicine program. Infield tickets are $20 per person. An Infield parking pass is available for $20. A variety of ticket packages are also available. The Reserved Rail spaces for $200 per vehicle include six Infield tickets and a premier reserved spot right next to the track for a great view. Boxes, located on the outside of the track, seat six for $250, $425 or $500. A new package option for 2003 is the Family Tent Area that includes 10 tickets for $750. Children under six are admitted to the Infield, Reserved Rail and Family Tent Area at no charge. Gates open at 10 a.m. and post time is noon. For information about the Steeplechase at Callaway, please call 706-324-6252 or visit www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org. Tickets will be available at the gate on Nelson Road off Hwy. 18. |
