When spring rolled around each year, it seemed Jade Floyd’s friends invariably started to plan to attend the Virginia Gold Cup.
Although she wasn’t much of a horse racing fan, Floyd couldn’t help but note that the steeplechase races in Virginia’s famed horse country, which began as a 4-mile race developed in 1922 by sportsmen who met at the Fauquier Club in Warrenton, had become the most celebrated outdoor social event in the area.
“My friends … always recalled stories of how great the event had been in previous years, and I couldn’t pass it up [last] year,” said Floyd, of Silver Spring, who moved to the D.C. area about four years ago. “Our friend’s car spot just happened to be next to a family who was tailgating on their Rolls-Royce with a full table set up and silver and these little horse statues and linens. It was a bit surreal, but entertainment nonetheless.”
Although the Gold Cup is purportedly built around steeplechase races, the events — held each spring and fall — have blossomed into extravaganzas that include terrier and pony races, hat contests, vendor tents, car displays and endless socializing that draw about 45,000 attendees.
“Over the past few years, it has evolved into that,” spokeswoman Vicki Bendure said of the events. “It’s an unusual event because it is a combination of horse racing and social events. People enjoy both and the [various] partying, and it almost never ends.”
But that’s not to say the Gold Cup is a high-priced fraternity party. Far from it, the event is a “see-and-be-seen” day for singles, families, couples and all combinations of groups including alumni associations and major companies. Many people liken it to something akin to a grand, outdoor ball with large tented areas for various organizations.
“We hear from [corporate executives] who talk about the networking, and we also hear from a lot of people who come to enjoy the day and tailgate,” Bendure said. “A lot of people get caught up in what to wear, but there are plenty of people who come in shorts and sandals.”
Like Floyd, Matt Mackowiak, of Washington, heard from his friends about the race and began to attend several years ago.
“It’s just one of those events that you hear about when you move here, like the White House Correspondents dinner or the Cherry Blossom Festival,” Mackowiak said. “If you’re not going, you’re really missing out.”
For Mackowiak, the event is more about socializing than the races, despite the Jumbotrons situated in strategic spots to display the race.
“It’s mostly socializing and seeing what people wear,” Mackowiak said. “The first thing you want to figure out is what you are going to wear. … You definitely want to go online and look at pictures of what everyone wears.”
The event also is a great way for singles to meet others. Mackowiak calls it something akin to “speed dating” in a classy, yet low-key, environment.
“Part of the fun is finding a date [or going to meet someone], figuring out what to wear and spending all day there,” he said. “The first time I went, I was completely exhausted afterward. It was terrific.”
Kyle Wolfe, of Columbia Heights, Md., who celebrated his 24th birthday at last year’s Gold Cup, said the event is a great way to meet new people and socialize.
“You don’t necessarily have to dress to the nines, but 90 percent of the people do, and I went out and bought the most vibrant pink shirt I could find with a pair of white khakis,” he said. “The one tip I would give to new attendees is to come thirsty and ready for a good time. Don’t anticipate your standard loop horse race but rather an outdoor party for the ages.”
One remarkable race
Although the Virginia Gold Cup event is a terrific chance to socialize, don’t forget the main event — the steeplechase.
This year’s race will commemorate the remarkable career of Saluter, the horse who retired from steeplechase racing after winning the Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes six consecutive years and retiring the beautiful Gold Cup trophy.
“We are delighted to have Saluter at this coming Virginia Gold Cup for one last visit at the age of 19 and pay tribute to the bronze statue of himself,” Virginia Gold Cup race chairman Dr. William Allison said in a statement. “This is truly a remarkable horse and once was a super athlete. He has so much heart, he’s truly our equivalent to Seabiscuit.”
IF YOU GO
83rd running of the Virginia Gold Cup
When: Saturday — 10 a.m. gates; 11 a.m. pre-race entertainment; 1:30 p.m. first horse race
Where: Great Meadow, The Plains, Va.
Details: $75 and up; 540-347-2612, vagoldcup.com
