100th Running of the Virginia Gold Cup to be Held on May 3

100th Running of the Virginia Gold Cup to be Held on May 3

One of the region’s largest and oldest steeplechase events returns with quality racing, parimutuel wagering, tailgate and hat contests, corporate networking and more. 

THE PLAINS, Va., Jan. 23, 2025– One of the nation’s oldest and largest steeplechase race events, the Virginia Gold Cup, celebrates its 100th running this year on Saturday, May 3, at Great Meadow (5089 Old Tavern Rd.) in The Plains, Va. Long known as one of the largest and oldest steeplechase events in the D.C. region and the nation, the event brings together the best of Virginia horse country. Highly talented horses, jockeys and trainers will vie to win eight exciting races during the day, while spectators gather at lavish tailgates and tented parties. The event also draws top corporations, organizations and companies in the region as corporate sponsors entertain their top customers, employees and prospects.

“We are excited for this year’s event,” said Virginia Gold Cup Race Co-chair Al Griffin. “We expect to have many of the top horses in the nation back this year as we celebrate our 100th running. This event not only provides top luxury entertainment for a huge crowd, but it also helps to fund the extensive horse industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Many jockeys and trainers work with their horses all year to be able to compete in the Virginia Gold Cup.”

Steeplechase offers a fast-action sport in a refined social setting and, at the Gold Cup, some of the best horses and jockeys compete over hurdles and timber fences.  Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia’s horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop. It is Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby.

As one of the Washington, D.C. region’s largest and oldest outdoor events, more than 30,000 people come out in their race-day finest to socialize and entertain. The fashion at the event has become as popular with a variety of hats and a fiercely competitive hat contest. Celebrity judges will decide whose hats are the most impressive in the day’s hat contest. There is also an equally competitive tailgate contest with prizes for the top three winners.

The Gold Cup’s long-standing tradition beckons to national celebrities, local VIPs, D.C. politicians as well as visitors from around the world attend. Characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek thoroughbreds and exciting hoof-pounding competition, many companies have capitalized on what the day has to offer by getting involved with sponsorships, purchasing tents to entertain and networking.

Gates open for the Virginia Gold Cup at 10 a.m. with the National Anthem and color guard pre-race at 12:30 p.m. The tailgate contest judging begins at 12:45 p.m. and the first of eight horse races will be underway at 1 p.m.

Tickets go on sale starting February 3 at www.vagoldcup.com. Tailgate packages, boxes and Members Hill entertaining tents are also available.

Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. and 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport. To get there from Washington, D.C., take I-66 west to The Plains exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 south), follow signs to Great Meadow which will be on your left. Call 540-347-2612 for additional information or visit the web site at www.vagoldcup.com.

The 2025 Virginia Gold Cup Races are presented by Virginia Equine Alliance, VHBPA, Brown Advisory and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

About Virginia Gold Cup Association

The organization oversees and handles all logistics for the Virginia Gold Cup (spring race) and International Gold Cup (fall race). The two prestigious events are two of the largest and oldest race meets in the U.S. that attract tens of thousands of spectators annually who gather at lavish tailgates or network in corporate tents. Held annually at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., the races are located in the heart of spectacular Virginia horse country and attact the finest horses, jockeys and trainers and feature sanctioned parimutuel wagering. Held just 45 mintues west of Washington, D.C., the races attract a wide array of attendees including politicians, celebrities and other VIPs. Visit www.vagoldcup.com for more information.




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