Steeplechase & Thoroughbred Racing at Colonial Downs

Let's head down to Colonial Downs for Steeplechase and Thoroughbred Racing! Steeplechase post time is at 10:45 and races start at 12:30 that day. Admission for outside only is Free. Admission is $5 per person for general admission upstairs and some inside. Tickets are now on sale: https://www.ticketmaster.com/colonial-downs-live-racing-tickets/artist/2997939.

Photo: Courtesy VeraLee Leigers

We will have the opportunity to see and photograph the horses pre-race in the paddock area.

For any who are not familiar, here's a little background information on the races. Steeplechases, called National Hunt racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland, are run over long distances, usually from two miles (3,200 m) up to four and a half miles (7,200 m), and horses carry more weight. Many jump racers, especially those bred in France, are not Thoroughbreds, being classified as AQPS. Novice jumping races involve horses that are starting out a jumping career, including horses that previously were trained in flat racing. National Hunt racing is distinguished between hurdles races and chases: the former are run over low obstacles and the latter over larger fences that are much more difficult to jump. National Hunt races are started by flag, which means that horses line up at the start behind a tape. Jump racing is popular in the UK, Ireland, France and parts of Central Europe, but only a minor sport or completely unknown in most other regions of the world.

Flat races can be run under varying distances and on different terms. Historically, the major flat racing countries were Australia, England, Ireland, France and the United States, but other countries, such as Japan and the United Arab Emirates, have emerged in recent decades. Some countries and regions have a long tradition as major breeding centers, namely Ireland and Kentucky.

In Europe and Australia, virtually all major races are run on turf (grass) courses, while in the United States, dirt surfaces (or, lately, artificial surfaces such as Polytrak) are prevalent. In Canada, South America and Asia, both surface types are common.