Your Race Day Bucket List!
Corgis with a need for speed, horses that can practically fly, fabulous hats and a little Christmas shopping thrown in for good measure. Sounds like a pretty great Sunday, doesn’t it?
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns Sunday, November 15, and there’s plenty happening beyond the finish line! Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been coming for years, here are ten race day experiences worth adding to your must-do list.
- Celebrate Like a Winner!
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
Everybody loves a winner, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the Winner’s Circle! After each race, make your way over to see the winning horse, jockey, trainer and connections enjoying their moment in the spotlight. There will be plenty of smiles, congratulations and maybe a horse who looks like he knows exactly how handsome he is. It’s one of the best places to get a closer look at the stars of the day!
- Meet the Horse of Many Feathers!
Not every horse at the Steeplechase has four legs and a jockey! Be sure to find the Horse of Many Feathers, one of the most colorful sights on the grounds. This eye-catching piece of artwork is worth a closer look, and it’s a great spot for a race day photo. Keep an eye out for it during your wanderings around the racetrack!
- Short Legs, Big Entertainment!
Move over, Thoroughbreds! The Corgi Cup is back, and these little racers have some serious competition planned. Organized by the Lowcountry Corgi Association and sponsored by Peper Law Firm, the Corgi Cup features a warm-up and two official races. Some corgis race straight for the finish line. Others seem more interested in making friends along the way. Either way, the crowd loves every second of it!
- Hear the Call: Riders Up!
Before the horses thunder down the track, there’s a little business to take care of in the paddock. This is where you’ll see the horses being prepared, jockeys getting ready and trainers making those last-minute checks. Then comes the traditional call of “Riders Up!” signaling it’s time for the jockeys to mount their horses. Watch as horse and rider head out toward the starting area. It’s one of those racing traditions that’s just as exciting today as it was generations ago.
- Shop a Little, Race a Little!
Caroline Herring.
Who says you can’t get a head start on Christmas shopping at the racetrack? Stop by the Merchant Market and browse unique finds from local vendors, including jewelry, clothing, accessories and more. It’s a great opportunity to shop local, support small businesses and check a few names off your gift list. And if something happens to find its way into your shopping bag for yourself, well, nobody’s judging!
- Let the Kids Have Their Moment!
The horses might be the main attraction, but the kids deserve a little fun of their own! Make a stop at the Family Fun Zone, where younger racegoers can enjoy activities and burn off some of that endless energy. Between the horses, the corgis and everything happening around the grounds, there’s plenty to keep the little ones busy. And here’s a bonus for parents: children 12 and under receive free General Admission!
- A Moment for the Red, White and Blue!
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
There’s something special about hearing the National Anthem at the racetrack. Be sure to catch the Opening Ceremonies and join the crowd for this race day tradition before the afternoon’s racing gets underway.
And the music doesn’t stop there! With live music throughout the day, there’s always something happening on stage. Grab a friend, enjoy your favorite tunes and don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing in your boots.
- Feel the Thunder at the Jumps!
Want to experience the real excitement of steeplechase racing? Find a viewing spot near one of the jumps! There’s nothing quite like watching a group of powerful Thoroughbreds approach a fence, leap into the air and land running as they race toward the next obstacle. You can hear the pounding hooves and feel the excitement as the horses fly past. It’s one of those moments that reminds you why steeplechase racing is so thrilling. Just be sure to stay behind the designated spectator barriers!
- The Racetrack Is Your Runway!
Half the fun of race day is seeing what everybody decided to wear! From fabulous fall hats and stylish boots to tweed jackets, colorful scarves and sharp-looking gentlemen in their Sunday best, the racetrack is full of fashion inspiration. Some folks plan their outfits months in advance. Others are just hoping they remembered a jacket! Take a look around, admire the creativity and pick up a little inspiration for your next race day look. And remember, there’s no rule saying you have to dress up to enjoy the races!
- Take the Scenic Route!
With 60 acres of beautiful Lowcountry scenery, there’s no reason to spend the entire day in one spot! Take a walk around the racetrack, admire the creative tailgate setups and see what everyone else is up to. You might discover a great place to watch the next race, run into an old friend or find yourself admiring a tailgate spread that looks better than Thanksgiving dinner. There’s plenty to see, and sometimes the best part of race day is simply wandering around and taking it all in.
Ready, Set, Steeplechase!
Now that you’ve got your Top 10, there’s only one thing left to do: see how many you can check off your list!
Gates open at 8 AM on Sunday, November 15, so come early and make a day of it. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures along the way! We want to see your favorite race day moments, from fabulous outfits and family photos to corgi cuteness and celebrations in the Winner’s Circle.
Tag @steeplechaseofcharleston on Instagram and use #MySteeplechaseTradition when sharing your photos. We might just see you on our feed!
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Caroline Herring.