Spring seems a long way off, hiding itself until the end of the month and then tempting us with an occasional crocus or two struggling up through the snow and gradually lengthening days. But there’s no surer harbinger than the point-to-point season, which begins this year in early March. For true horse lovers, those suffering from cabin fever, and those who enjoy a day in the country, there’s nothing like the first few race meets to get the heart pounding while watching thoroughbreds flying over fences. These early season meets tend to be smaller, more informal affairs but there’s no shortage of equine talent as the country’s top steeplechasers, as well as hot young prospects, make their debut racing over fences.
This year, an old favorite returns to open the season in Rappahannock County at the Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds point-to-point on Saturday, March 3. A former circuit favorite of locals, this meet had moved to a fall date for several years. Following some reorganization of the fox hunting clubs that hosted the earliest season meets, including trying different dates and locations, this perennial crowd pleaser again opens its gates on the first Saturday in March. The location at Thornton Hill Farm just outside Sperryville, VA affords unparalleled viewing of the racing as well as the fabled Blue Ridge Mountains that surround it.
Both serious fans and casual spectators love this course because you’re able to get close to the action while you rub elbows with owners, trainers and riders as well as the local landed gentry. The unpredictable weather is par for the course—but part of the fun, too. Fashionable attire often takes a back seat to comfort and layers of warm clothing are the order of the day. It’s more important to be comfortable than noticeable! No umbrella drinks here—hot toddies and coffee are the drinks of choice. At Thornton Hill Farm, you can hobnob with the rich and famous in a way you can’t at the larger spring races—that is, if you recognize them under their winter layers. General admission and even prime reserved tailgate party spaces are very reasonably priced. For information call (540) 987-8338 or check out Thornton Hill Hounds’ page on Facebook and like it. Races are held rain, snow or shine, unless conditions are forecasted to be unsafe. It's always a good idea to call ahead in case of inclement weather.
With over $4 million in total purses, meets in 12 states, and millions of spectators, steeplechasing is big business. Some of the best horses and horsemen the sport has to offer are based here in the Mid-Atlantic area, including Virginia’s hunt country. The horses often are legged up over the winter in the hunt field. Unlike their flat track counterparts, jumpers don’t work out on level tracks. Flat and jump racing differ in the distance of the races and of course, the jumps. Flat track races are commonly six to eight furlongs (eight furlongs equal a mile); a few are 10 to 12 furlongs, all held on a level surface. The Kentucky Derby, for example, is 10 furlongs. Jump races are usually two and a half to three or more miles and held on grassy fields and uneven, often hilly, terrain. Starting gates are not used, since the start is far less important at longer distances. And unlike flat racing, blinding speed won’t win races without stamina and jumping ability. For this reason, jumpers tend to be older; many began their careers on the flat and switched to the jumps later.
Jump racing’s governing body, the National Steeplechase Association, sanctions the big meets later in the spring, including the nationally known Virginia Gold Cup races in May. But point-to-points, run under rules similar to the NSA, are where it all starts for both horses and riders and offer a wonderful social outing for fans as well. Virginia holds more meets than any other state during the season that starts March 3rd.
March 3, post time 12:00—Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point to Point
Thornton Hill Farm, Sperryville Pike (Rt. 522) Sperryville 540-987-8338
March 10, post time 12:00—Blue Ridge Hunt Point to Point to Point
Woodley Farm, Berryville 540-837-2077
March 17, post time 12:30—Warrenton Hunt Point to Point
Airlie Race Course, Warrenton 540-219-1400
March 24, post time 1:00—Piedmont Fox Hounds Point to Point
Salem course (Rt. 50) Upperville 540-592-7100
The complete calendar of races for the 2012 season can be found on CentralEntryOffice.com. Advance purchase of general admission tickets isn’t necessary, although often you can save money by doing so. Prime reserved parking and railside tailgate spaces should be purchased in advance, but is often surprisingly affordable, especially at the March meets.
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