Montpelier hosts 74th Hunt Races

The 74th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races, an annual celebration of steeplechase racing and traditional Southern hospitality, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at James Madison's Montpelier. Tickets are on sale throughout Virginia (see list of vendors below), and online at www.montpelierraces.com
Presented this year by Mercedes Benz of Fredericksburg, the Montpelier Hunt Races were established in 1929 by Marion duPont Scott and her brother William duPont, Jr. Together the siblings created many of steeplechase and flat racing's best-known venues. In 1919, Scott built a steeplechase course and a flat track on the Montpelier property and initiated the Montpelier Hunt Races soon thereafter.
Scott died in 1983, and upon her death the duPont family transferred the Montpelier property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Scott's legacy continues today with the running of the Montpelier Races, a premier event on the national Steeplechase Association's circuit.
The Montpelier Hunt Races are organized by the Montpelier Steeplechase and Equestrian Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the races benefit James Madison's Montpelier.
Race Day Schedule:
9:30 a.m. Gates open
10 a.m. Montpelier tent opens: Located near the racecourse finish line, the Montpelier Tent will feature 2008 Montpelier Hunt Race souvenirs and special gifts that celebrate the splendor of the Virginia Piedmont. Racegoers will have the chance to buy signed copies of this year's race poster. The original oil painting by Evelyn Cowles of Free Union features Montpelier.
Meet a racecourse veteran: Montpelier provides nearly 200 acres of pasture and fields to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). The TRF rescues Thoroughbred racehorses, and retrains them to be adopted into new homes. A rescued racehorse will be showcased, and staff will be available to answer questions.
Vendor Row opens: A variety of gifts, handcrafts, and gourmet items will be offered on Vendors Row.
10:30 a.m. Jack Russell Terrier races
From 10:30 on Dining With Dolley Madison Tailgate Competition: Sponsored by Garden & Gun Magazine, the winner receives a weekend stay at Nashville's The Hermitage, voted the best small hotel in America.
11 a.m. Dog agility exhibition demonstration
11:15 a.m. Montpelier Stick Horse Races: The racing action continues with the Montpelier stick horse races. There will be races for three age groups - five and under, ages six and seven, and ages eight and nine. Members of the Rapidan River Pony Club are helping organize the 2008 Stick Horse Races. The Stick Horse Races are sponsored by Cindy "J" Joskowiak - Premier Virginia Properties.
12 Noon: The historic Montpelier Mansion opens. Race-goers may tour the Mansion free on race day courtesy of U.S. Trust.
12 Noon: National Anthem
A Grooms Award, sponsored by AMTRAK, will be presented after each race.
12:30 p.m. The Montpelier Foundation Cup. Hosted by The Montpelier Foundation. Purse: $1,000.
1:30 p.m. The Madison Plate. Sponsored by Virginia Community Bank. Purse: $15,000.
2 p.m. The Battleship. Presentation by Virginia Tractor. Purse: $10,000.
2:30 p.m. The Constitution Hurdle. Presentation by U.S. Trust. Purse: $15,000.
3 p.m. The Montpelier Cup. Sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Fredericksburg. Purse: $20,000.
3:30 p.m. The Noel Laing Stakes. Sponsored by Mrs. W. Mason Shehan, Mr. and Mrs. James H.T. McConnell, and Mrs. Susan McConnell, Purse: $40,000
4 p.m. The Liberty Cup. Presentation by Holland and Holland. Purse: $1,000.
6 p.m. Gates close.
Please note - other than participants in the terrier races and agility demonstrations - no dogs will be admitted onto the Montpelier property on Race Day. For additional Hunt Race information contact the Race Office at (540)672-0027 or visit www.montpelierraces.com.
Ticket vendors for 2008 Montpelier Hunt Races:
General admission, general parking, and infield parking passes are available at the following locations now thru October 31, 2008.
Gordonsville: Premier Virginia Properties, Tess & Co. Jewelers.
Orange: Faulconer Hardware, Orange Madison Co-op, Virginia Tractor, Tractor Supply, Virginia Community Bank.
Somerset: Somerset Center Store.