It’s not often we get to enjoy top-class horse racing here in South Carolina.
So, the annual Steeplechase of Charleston is a joy to behold, with some outstanding thoroughbreds set to head to the Stono Ferry Racetrack in Hollywood on November 11 for the next installment.
With plenty to see and do for all the family, the Steeplechase of Charleston is a fantastic way to see these fine animals in all their glory.
Racing Ahead
Although you can find enjoy horse racing readily in the United States, it’s worth remembering that steeplechasing – which sees the horses jump over fences on the turf track at Stono Ferry – is a rarity on these shores.
It’s more common in the UK, where they continue to race horses and even greyhounds, which are bred for their speed and stamina.
Indeed, the Irish Greyhound Derby takes place just a matter of weeks after the Steeplechase of Charleston, with numerous sportsbooks offering their greyhounds odds – the wonderfully named Bockos Diamond (+600) and Callaway Knegare (+700) are the current favorites to win.
The sports betting guides offer a glimpse into the form and the pedigree of each greyhound, whereas back home at the Steeplechase of Charleston, the emphasis is more on fun and entertainment than winning huge sums of prize money.
There will be five races on the card in all, with four contested over the hurdles and the fifth on the flat course. Race officials will be on hand to tend to the fences and the track, ensuring conditions are optimal to preserve the welfare of the horses competing.
Leading the way at the 2023 edition was Lightning Ridge, who won the Alston Cup Sport of Kings to land a still handsome $21,000 prize for his owners: the KMSN Stable. Jockey Graham Watters, who led Lightning Ridge to glory, also claimed the spoils in the Lexus Cup Handicap Hurdle on board Seismic Wave.
Fun for All the Family
Naturally, much of the attention is saved for the incredible action out on the racetrack.
But the Steeplechase of Charleston is also well known for offering amenities for all the family – including its famous Merchant Market, where you can pick up some early holiday season gifts… why leave your shopping until the last minute again?
There’ll be live music and entertainment on the stage, food stalls (and a special tailgating area), and even the chance to watch some dog racing – the super-cute Corgi Cup will see members of this lovable breed compete on the track.
And if you head along to the Stono Ferry Racetrack on November 11, you’ll be in excellent company: annually, the Steeplechase of Charleston attracts a huge 7,000 crowd.
In fact, so popular is the day that organizers are even considering moving the event to a larger venue. Misty Simons, who helps to plan the annual extravaganza, believes the meeting could ‘triple those numbers’ were it to move to new premises.
So, who knows, maybe the 2024 edition of the Steeplechase of Charleston will be your last chance to catch the high-octane action in Hollywood, South Carolina.
