Even in democratic Charlotte, it retains its noble social connections. The cream of corporate society attends elegant parties in tents lining the home stretch.
The infield is given over to tailgating, many, especially along the rail, elaborate spreads featuring silver plate, floral arrangements, and catered cuisine.
People-watching is at its peak, and the Charlotte "see-and-be-seen" social set turns out in force. (Nationally, one in five steeplechase enthusiasts is a millionaire.) But the combination of danger and beauty attract many other fans as well, young and old, who enjoy the thrill of watching horses and riders test their mettle against the jumps and each other as they gallop for the finish line.
The first Steeplechases were just that — races across country from one church steeple to the next.
The most famous of all ‘chases today is the Grand National at Aintree, England, first run in 1839.
In the U.S., the oldest steeplechase is the Maryland Cup, first run in 1894. Participation by such well-known families as the DuPonts, Mellons and Phipps insured that steeplechasing would become a popular sport on this side of the ocean.
The National Steeplechase Association (NSA) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995. It sanctions 38 race meetings, including the Charlotte Steeplechase, each year with purses totaling about $4 million.
Ten of these meetings are held in the Carolinas, including the prestigious Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup meets in Camden, SC. The proceeds from all NSA events are donated to charity. Locally, the Charlotte Steeplechase benefits the Catawba Land Conservancy, dedicated to preserving the wild lands still remaining in our region.
You can see the horses before the race being saddled in the paddock area.
The jockeys dress in colorful silks that identify their mount’s owner.
A bugler blows the traditional Call to the Post before each race.
Unlike flat races, steeplechases do not begin in a starting gate. The horses line up and go off at the drop of a flag.
The horses normally pass the finish line once before coming around to dash over the final fences, as the crowd lines the rails cheering on their favorites.
The Post Parade begins about 1 pm in the Paddock area and races follow at half-hour intervals. In between races, it’s time to party.