What the heck is a steeplechase, you ask? A little like the Kentucky Derby, it’s an excuse for southern socialites to meet and rub elbows in a gorgeously manicured park as they watch well-bred horses and their riders race around a track. But steeplechase is much, much more interesting than traditional horse racing: the horses and their riders must clear mind-bogglingly tall jumps at breakneck speed, racing through and over ‘natural’ obstacles like handsomely arranged logs, hedges, and faux-streams.
If you love true southern charm and heritage, you should absolutely consider attending. The event draws more than 25 thousand well-dressed spectators every year, and give a formal nod to the formal English heritage which inspired so much of what we now associate with being a fine southern gentleman or belle. Before the race, there’s a traditional foxhunting showcase, and during and after there are vendors, other events, and plenty of fun things to do.
The event is held just south of Green Hills in Percy Warner Park, and will be on Saturday, May 14, beginning at 8am. It’s an all day affair, so bring some chairs! General admission is $20 at the gate, and it’s technically a charity event which benefits a local children’s hospital.
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- Photo by Joe Howell
The area around Percy Warner Park is very residential, often with large, sprawling homes and estates. But Green Hills is just a short drive away!
