Labor Day celebrates the grit and dedication of everyday people whose efforts build communities and traditions. That same spirit drives the Steeplechase of Charleston, where countless hands work year-round to make race day magic happen.
Photo by Grant Comley
Morning in the Barn
Race day starts before dawn in the stables. Charleston farrier Grant Comley is one of the first to arrive, checking every horse’s hooves with the precision that comes from nearly a decade of experience.
“A lack of self-confidence can lead to mistakes,” Comley explains, recalling his early days working with high-strung competition horses. Now, he moves with quiet confidence, knowing that his careful work helps keep these athletes safe and ready to fly over fences.
The barn buzzes with coordinated energy. Grooms feed and monitor each horse, while trainers fine-tune last-minute preparations. Teamwork comes to the forefront in moments of urgency. Comley recalls a groomer who noticed a horse acting unusually, nearly on the verge of passing out. Instantly, the entire barn stopped what they were doing and rallied to help, a vivid reminder that caring for these athletes requires vigilance, coordination, and trust.
“Everyone has a role to play,” says Race Director Toby Edwards, a former jockey who coordinates race day with the eye of someone who’s been on both sides of the starting gate. “From checking tack to monitoring vital signs, every detail matters.” 
Miles of Preparation
The spectacle you see on race day requires months of behind-the-scenes choreography. Event organizers begin planning the day after each event ends, with preparations going full-time in May and ramping up intensively in the fall. 
Preston Jenkins, Operations Director for Medalist Sports, oversees six department heads managing everything from hospitality to security.
“The biggest challenge is keeping track of all the moving parts and making sure every department works together seamlessly,” Jenkins says.
About a week before the event, the real action begins. More than 150 tents must be erected, and then there’s the fencing—an 18-wheeler full of wooden show fence that stretches nearly two miles around the course. Crews also set up jumps, build out the paddock, and mark hundreds of tailgate spots across the property.
“It takes a day and a half to two days to complete,” Jenkins explains. “It’s truly all hands on deck.”
Event organizers begin planning the day after each event ends, with preparations going full-time in May and ramping up intensively in September.
Butch Lasher- volunteer
The Unsung Heroes
While spectators enjoy mint juleps and thrilling finishes, some of the hardest work happens year-round. Rick Grabowski chairs the Stono Ferry Amenity Field Committee and serves as this year’s Clerk of Course—leading a six-member volunteer team who maintain the 60-acre track.
Their labor of love begins in February with weed killer applications and intensifies in April. They mow the grass weekly and aerate every 30 days, with each 10-acre section taking about two hours to cut.
“Misery loves company,” Grabowski laughs, describing their “work days” when volunteers tackle all the jobs no one wants to do. “But that’s what keeps us motivated—the camaraderie and knowing we’re part of something special.”
These volunteers embody the true spirit of Labor Day, dedicating themselves to tasks that go largely unnoticed but are absolutely essential.
Where It All Comes Together
On race day, the months of preparation crystallize into hours of excitement. Farriers, grooms, veterinarians, and trainers ensure horses are in peak condition. Race officials double-check safety protocols. Vendors coordinate food, parking, and hospitality for thousands of attendees.
Event staff, who’ve worked on the event all year, coordinate operations while Jenkins’ team manages the intricate dance of logistics. Power crews, tent installers, security teams, and golf cart operators all play their part.
It’s an intricate choreography that transforms months of planning into a seamless celebration—exactly what Labor Day is about.
From Comley’s pre-dawn hoof checks to Grabowski’s weekly mowing sessions, from Jenkins’ year-long logistics planning to Edwards’ race day coordination, the Steeplechase of Charleston exists because people take pride in their work and understand that something truly special happens when everyone pulls together.
Labor Day is a time to honor hard work, dedication, and teamwork—values that are woven into every aspect of the Steeplechase of Charleston. From the barns to the track, from planning meetings months in advance to the final fence being set up the morning of the race, countless individuals contribute to making the event a success.
Join the Celebration
Experience the Steeplechase of Charleston and see firsthand the teamwork and dedication behind every race. Tickets are available now at SteeplechaseOfCharleston.com. This family-friendly event offers thrills for all ages—and kids 12 and under are free!