We know you can't wait to get out of the house by the end of February. It might not feel like spring yet, with no signs other than a lonely crocus or two straggling up through the snow. But there’s no surer harbinger than the point-to-point season, which opens later this month. For true horse lovers, those suffering from cabin fever, and those looking for a country outing, there’s nothing like the first few race meets in February and March. These races 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 after a winter layoff.
Last year's early season was decimated by a state recommended quarantine on horse activities in Loudoun and Fauquier counties that ran from February through the end of March. Shows, point to points, sales and foxhunting were cancelled or rescheduled for later dates. A highly infectious strain of equine herpes virus type 1 or EHV-1 was discovered in Maryland and Virginia barns early in February of 2007. EHV-1 causes respiratory and neurological problems in horses, with the latter often resulting in death. Due to quick action including cancellation of horse events and quarantining any farms where horses had been exposed to known cases of EHV-1, the number of fatal cases of EHV-1 in Virginia remained low and the quarantine was lifted at the end of March 2007. Since then, no new cases have been reported in the state.
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 thoroughbred racing has to offer race over fences, and it all starts right here in Virginia this month. The governing body, the National Steeplechase Association, sanctions the big meets later in the spring, including the best-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 this month and runs through November.
Both serious fans and casual spectators are able to get closer to the action and rub elbows with owners, trainers and riders as well as the local landed gentry beginning February 23 at the Casanova Hunt Point to Point season opener just north of Warrenton, at Buckland Farm off Rt. 29 south of Gainesville. Casanova's post time is 12:30 p.m. for the first race meet of the season on Saturday, Feb. 23. Snow and cold weather are par for the course at the early meets — but part of the fun, too. Dress warmly (fashionable attire takes a back seat to comfort) and pack plenty of adult antifreeze in your tailgate. Plan to rub elbows with local celebrities in a way you can’t at the larger spring meets – that is, if you recognize them under their winter layers! 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.
Rappahannock Hunt point to point, on March 1st, is the jewel of the early season and the prettiest course on the circuit with its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and very visible track. It’s held at the Bleu Rock Inn near Washington, Va., 25 miles west of Warrenton out Rt. 211. In addition to top notch racing on the flat and over jumps, it hosts several events for amateurs, including young jockey hopefuls on ponies. A yard sale, food concessions and vendors, in addition to the cozy Bleu Horse Inn pub overlooking the course, make this a preferred destination for the early circuit. Even the drive out from the metro area is a delight – take 66 west to 29 south into Warrenton, at HoJo’s turn right onto 211 and the Bleu Rock is 25 miles west on the right, across from the Rappahannock High School.
Rappahannock’s general admission is $10, with free parking and admission for children under 12; $7 if tickets are purchased before race day. Post time for the first of eight is 1 p.m. According to race organizers, the best deal for spectators is the reserved parking, which starts at $60. There are no bad reserved spots on the course, which is a natural amphitheater ringed by the mountains and the Bleu Rock’s vineyard – in addition to housing your tailgate, reserved parking allows you to pop in your car and warm up should the weather be inclement. And should you wish to invite a bunch of friends, books of admission tickets are only $50 for 10 – savings of 50 percent over race day admission. For reserved parking and advance ticket sales, call Janet O’Keefe at (weekdays) 540/829-8823 or evenings at 540/547-2993.
As always, for these early season races call ahead in case of inclement weather, but advance tickets are rarely needed though you may save a bit on admission and reserved parking is very affordable if done in advance.
Saturday, February 23
12:30 noon Casanova Hunt Point to Point
Buckland Farm, Warrenton, Virginia
(540) 788-4806
Saturday, March 1
1:00 pm Rappahannock Hunt Point to Point
Bleu Rock Inn, Washington, Virginia
(540) 547-2810
(540) 937-5813
Saturday, March 8
12:00 noon Blue Ridge Hunt Point to Point
Woodley Farm, Berryville, Virginia
(540) 955-0036
Saturday, March 15
12:30 noon Warrenton Hunt Point to Point
Airlie Race Course, Warrenton, Virginia
(540) 219-1400
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