FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 29, 2014) -- Saturday's weather forecast for Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a sunny 70 degrees. Why is this important? The first Saturday in November - Nov. 1 - is the 30th year of thoroughbred racing at Callaway Gardens. It's the annual Steeplechase at Callaway - it's a lot of fun and the proceeds support the arts.
If you are new to Fort Benning, this should be on your "To Do" list. Did I say it's a lot of fun? It's a lot of fun. And it benefits the Columbus Museum, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Historic Columbus Foundation, the Springer Opera House, the RiverCenter and the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. Additionally, there is a partnership with Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine sports medicine program.
With a military I.D., tickets to the Infield cost $15. For information, call 706-324-6252.
Race Information:
There are a total of seven races, five are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. The first two races are for junior riders.
•Gates open at 10 a.m.
•Race A: Wells Fargo Advisors Perpetual Pony Race at noon Purse: $200.
•Race B: V'roooom Junior Hunter Race at 12:30 p.m. Purse: $200.
•1st Race: CB&T Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle at 1 p.m. Purse: $25,000.
•2nd Race: Standard Concrete Products Highweight Hurdle at 1:40 p.m. Purse: $25,000.
•3rd Race: Aflac Championship Supreme Novice Hurdle at 2:20 p.m. Purse: $50,000.
•4th Race: Crown Royal Sport of Queens Hurdles Stakes at 3:00 p.m. Purse: $50,000.
•5th Race: W.C. Bradley Maiden Timber at 3:40 p.m. Purse: $15,000.
Race Day Activities:
•Silent auction in the Race Arcade. Trips, jewelry, art, sports memorabilia and gift certificates are a sampling of items to be auctioned.
•Stick Pony Races for kids ages 10 and younger.
•Boomer 95.3 Tailgate Competition.
•Ledger-Enquirer "Best Box" Competition.
•Southern Views Hat Contest - Winning categories are "Most Whimsical," "Most Beautiful" and "Best Children's Hat." As part of this event, there will be a Parade of Hats that will include all the contestants.
•Horseshoes Tent is an upscale lunching and entertaining area for all those in box seating. The fare includes wines from W.J. Deutsch Distributing. Feel free to bring your own beverages as well. TVs will be showing ballgames throughout the day for your viewing pleasure. Lunch and wine will be served 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Space is limited so buy your tickets early.
•Jack Russell Terrier Races will have three separate heats.
•The Taste of the Chase will again have Country's Barbeque, along with other concessions in the Infield offering lemonade, ice cream and funnel cakes.
•There will be a Vendor Village in the Infield featuring regional and local vendors.
- www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org
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