Love horses? come one hour West of Washington D.C. to Virginia’s lush hunt country to experience great outdoor family fun during the 60th running of the Virginia Fall Steeplechase Races held at Glennwood Park in Middleburg, Virginia on Saturday, October 4th, 2014.

Like the leaves that change each fall, horse lovers traditionally descend upon Middleburg for this annual weekend to enjoy steeplechase racing, fox hunting, meander country roads, visit Civil War sights, tour wineries, eat local faire at the many restaurants, shop for antiques and perhaps spend a night or two at a local Inn, Resort or Bed & Breakfast.

Racing highlights include the running of the two co-feature races, the National Sporting Library and Museum timber classic and new this year will be the running of the W. Gary Baker Memorial hurdle race. Gary died earlier this winter after a battle with cancer. He had been Chairman of this race meet for more than two decades. Like others he had honored before him, we thought it only fitting to have a race run in his honor.

There will also be a Family Fun Fair with petting zoo, pony rides and big slide provided by Inova Loudoun Hospital Foundation. Along with a full card of racing, spectators are encouraged to come early as they will get a taste of fox hunting with the finals of the Field Hunter Championships being held right on the race course at 9 am.

Come witness the nation’s top steeplechase horses and riders as they race over timber, brush and turf courses. Entertain amongst the shade of 100 year old oak trees and experience what is called “…the best view in steeplechasing’- where you can see the excitement of every fence.

Gates open at 8 am; post time for the First Race is at 1:30 pm. Tickets, box seats, rail side and tailgate picnic parking spaces can be purchased in advance by calling the Race Office at (540) 687-5662. General admission is $50.oo per car (4 people maximum). Or visit our website at www.vafallraces.com or on Facebook.

Race sponsorship opportunities and hospitality tents are also available. Groups or tour buses are welcome with advance arrangements. All proceeds from the race weekend to benefit the Inova Loudoun Hospital in nearby Leesburg, Virginia.

To reach Glenwood Park from the Washington DC area, take I-66 West and exit Route 50 WEst (Exit 57B towards Winchester). Drive approximately 25 miles to Middleburg and turn right at the one stoplight in Middleburg (Route 626, Foxcroft Road). Proceed 1 mile to entrance on right.