2rd Annual Blue Ridge Fall Races

August 3, 2008

With the success of the first running of the Blue Ridge Fall races we are pleased to return for the second running. The race meet, hosted by the Blue Ridge Hunt, to benefit Blue Ridge Hospice, will be held at Woodley on September 20. Post time is 1:00 p.m. with the gates opening at 10:30. We are pleased to welcome back our lead sponsor Valley Equine Associates and thank all the sponsors for their continued support of Hospice.

This year we have some exciting changes and additions to the festivities. We are introducing a Calcutta dinner dance to be “under the tent” at Woodley on Friday, September 19. Start planning your syndicates now, more on that latter.

Saturday, the day of the races, there will be lots of fun for everyone. We return with a card of seven races, including a Junior Field Masters Chase and two each of timber, hurdles and flat races. The position of this meet in the racing calendar bodes well for the races to fill with very high quality horses looking to prep for a future sanction race meet. We have added stick pony races for the children, as well as returning the moon bounce, pony rides and face painting, continuing our family friendly theme of the day. Bring your kids and tell your friends to look for the stick pony entry booth near tent row.

This year we have a “Vendors Alley” all gathered together under a big tent on the top of the hill. A popular and successful item last year was the used tack tent which will return under the successful guidance of Linda Roberts.

There have been significant changes made to the race course to improve viewing, safety and the quality of the racing. The wire fence separating the parking from the course has been removed, and a spectator’s rail at the edge of the course will be installed. A special thanks to Ben Harrison and Harrison Fencing for their assistance in making this improvement. You will notice this year the races will be run right‐handed on the course not left‐handed. After careful consideration and the input of several horseman and racing stewards, it was concluded that this change would benefit all—horses, owners, trainers and spectators alike.

Now, to the Calcutta. Many of you may have had the chance to participate in one of several racing‐related Calcutta’s, like the Virginia Gold Cup Calcutta, Middleburg Hunt or Maryland Hunt Cup Calcutta. For those that have not, let us share with you how the event works.

That evening following dinner, we will hold an auction for one — possibly two — of the races. Will O’Keefe, the voice of Virginia racing will give a description of the past racing performance of the horses running. Your objective is to bid on a horse in that race who you and/or your syndicate thinks will win the race. The proceeds raised in the auction will be split 50:50 with the winning bidder of the winning horse receiving half proceeds.

So get out and start putting together your syndicates, and we will see you on September 19.

For further information please click on the flyer above or go to www.blueridgefallraces.com.

- Michael E Hoffman
- Melanie D Marks