Foxfield Races
| Maiden and Claims race | |
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| Location | Foxfield Steeplechase Course, Charlottesville, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1978 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Steeplechase |
| Website | www |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2 1⁄8 miles (17 furlongs; 3,420 m) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | left-handed |
| Purse | $95,000 between 5 races 1st: $15,000 max (2015) |
The Foxfield Races are a set of steeplechase races that originated in 1978 and are held twice annually in Albemarle County, Virginia, approximately eight miles northwest of downtown Charlottesville. It is a popular tradition for much of the community as well as students of the University of Virginia and other universities on the East Coast. Foxfield holds two races each year, one in the fall and another in the spring. The fall race has a more family-friendly atmosphere, while the spring race tends to attract a larger proportion of local college students. Each race generally benefits a local organization or charity; previous groups include Service Dogs of Virginia, the Ronald McDonald House, and Kids Pan Alley. There are many different color passes that can be purchased allowing access to certain areas in and around the track itself. Tickets can be purchased from the official website or from numerous outlets around the Charlottesville area, as well as surrounding areas. Traditionally, students and other attendees dress in a Southern, aristocratic style often seen at other steeplechase and horse racing events across the South. Seersucker, bowties, and pastel colors predominate the atmosphere, particularly at the spring race.
The Foxfield Races are premier steeplechase horse racing events held annually in Albemarle, Virginia. The races take place twice a year: the last Saturday in April, and the last Sunday in September. The races were created by Mariann de Tejeda on property that was once owned by the well-known Virginian horseman, huntsman, and teacher, Grover Vandevender. The property was originally a private horse farm. When De Tejeda bought the property after Vandevender’s death in 1973, she began the construction of a steeplechase course dedicated to his memory. The final product fulfilled the dreams envisioned by de Tejeda and the late Vandevender. The first Foxfield race was held in the spring of 1978, and has since become a popular tradition among Charlottesville residents, students of the University of Virginia, as well as alumni from the University. Foxfield is a tailgating event, and thus, unlike many steeplechase racing events, there are no grandstands. There are many different ticket options for the race, hence some purchase general admission tickets and observe the race along the hillsides of the course. Furthermore, there are many sponsors of the race, and businesses are able to rent out private tents. Attendees of the race are known to wear fairly formal clothing, and even tailgates with elaborate spreads of elegant china and linens reflect upon this image.
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Wikipedia