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Atlanta Steeplechase?
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Steeplechasing mixes the speed of Thoroughbred flat racing with the
precision of show jumping to create a hurdle event where the premium is on
speed over brush or timber jumps at daunting distances of up to three miles.
Every year, the finest professional owners, riders and trainers in the
country bring their horses to venues throughout the Eastern United States to
compete for millions of dollars in purse money.
History and Organization
Steeplechasing, internationally renowned as a splendid sporting and social
occasion where tradition, pageantry and style meet in a spectacular outdoor
setting, traces its lineage to England when, on August 11, 1711, Queen Anne
founded the first (flat) race meeting at what is today called the Royal
Ascot Races.
Learn about how the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) began in the
U.S. its mission and how steeplechasing got its name. Hint: A County Cork,
Ireland, race in 1752 between horsemen named O’Callaghan and Edmund Blake
ran for about 4 1/2 miles, from Buttevant Church to St. Mary’s in Doneraile.
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Terms
Can a “maiden” run in a “non-winners of two” “allowance” race with a
“handicap?” Find out using a glossary of steeplechase terms.
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The Basics
Most steeplechase meets include five to seven races. Attendees vary from
tailgaters to equestrians, college students to corporate executives, and
children to senior citizens. Spectators arrive a few hours before the first
race (usually 10 am to noon) to set up their picnics, watch the traditional
terrier or fox hound exhibitions, and peruse the vendor tents. With a
typically oval-shaped track, the spectator has many vantage points; you can
watch the field break away at the gates, stand next to a hurdle, or catch
the rush to the finish line. With the first chase taking off at a post time
of around 1 PM, each takes about 30 minutes to run, award prize money and
accept a trophy.
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Owner, Trainer, Rider, Horse Circuit Standings
Each year, owners, trainers and jockeys put to the test all their knowledge
and experience in breeding, racing and buying in hopes that they have
selected and trained winning horses. Unknown factors also play a big part in
the perfectly laid plans of a horse’s training, including the risk of
injury, illness and how fierce the competition is. With the absolutes as
well as the uncertainties, this Sport of Kings is not for the faint of heart
or short of pocket. This is what the thrill of the ‘chase is all about
because, regardless of the “favorites,” it’s still anyone’s game on who
crosses the finish line. This is an industry where millions of dollars are
spent and gained in the quest for glory, purse money (to recoup expenses and
increase a horse’s value) and ego. Rank and standing statistics are
calculated for not only races won, but the difficulty (grade) of the
racecourse and purse money offered. To view this year’s current owner,
trainer and rider standings
click here. Since
races are held almost every weekend during the steeplechasing season, the
standings will change and are re-ranked each following Monday morning. At
the end of the season, the equivalent of the Triple Crown, the Eclipse
Award, is presented to the best performance horse. The award brings great
visibility, fame and financial opportunities to owner, trainer and rider.
And, plenty of carrots for the horse!
Chasing Newspapers
Now get the bigger picture. Read the stories that recreate the exciting
races from around the circuit. The Steeplechase Times online provides almost
daily news and statistics, the basics and definitions, columns and a
photo/video library.
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A U.S. Tradition
Some of the oldest and most prestigious
steeplechases are still run, including
the Maryland Hunt Cup (begun in 1894), the American Grand National (begun in
1899) and the National Hunt Cup in Radnor, Pennsylvania (begun in 1909).
But, newer chases are everywhere in the 12 states of the 35 sanctioned
National Steeplechase Association stops at some of the nation’s finest
tracks.
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Photo
Gallery
See pictures of a previous Atlanta Steeplechase to
learn the ropes! Check out the gallery by Mike Soto of Photos by Soto.
2008 Explore!
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