Virginia Gold Cup Adds $150,000 Commonwealth Cup to Race Lineup

One of the nation’s oldest and largest steeplechase events, the Virginia Gold Cup,  announced that it has added a new race to its lineup in May. The $150,000 Commonwealth Cup, a Grade 1 hurdle race (the highest level of stakes races), will take place just before the Virginia Gold Cup race on Saturday, May 4, at Great Meadow (5089 Old Tavern Rd.) in The Plains, Va. This is the 99-year anniversary of the popular event that draws more than 30,000 out for a day of tailgating, socializing, and wagering. Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out.

The Commonwealth Cup will take place over a 2 1/8-mile course with 12 fences. It is the second Grade 1 race on the U.S. spring steeplechase circuit. Iroquois in Nashville, Tenn. is currently the only other Grade 1 steeplechase race in the U.S.

“This addition will provide a race that turns out top horses from around the country, and further elevates the standing of the Virginia Gold Cup on the steeplechase circuit,” explained Dr. William Allison, president of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “It also provides meaningful incentive and potential revenue for owners, trainers, and riders competing.”

The Gold Cup’s long-standing tradition beckons to national celebrities, local VIPs, and D.C. politicians as well as visitors from around the world. 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 some actually end up doing business there.

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.

Gates open for the Virginia Gold Cup at 10 a.m. ET with the National Anthem and color guard prerace 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.

Tailgate packages, which now include tents in most areas, and Members Hill entertaining tents are available. Purchases can be made online at www.vagoldcup.com/va/tickets or by calling 540-347-2612.

Also back this year is the popular 1922 VIP Club. Guests will enjoy a private rail side tent with a prime view of the race course. Classic regional fare will be available throughout the day with open bar and signature cocktails. There’s also music entertainment, lawn games, raffle prizes, a Gold Cup souvenir, betting booth, private restrooms and more. Following the Gold Cup races, the Kentucky Derby will be shown live on the tent’s closed circuit TV. Cost is $250 per person.—