“Then you give me a kiss, and you’re grabbing your hat, and you’re off to the races again.”
(“Sue Me” Frank Loesser, Guys & Dolls)

 Mark your calendars, pack your picnic baskets and grab your hat! You have plans every weekend this May - Steeplechase Season has arrived in County Lines Country!

  Tailgating and shopping, antique autos and auctions, dogs and ponies, fundraising and fun-raising, there truly is something for everyone. The best part? It’s hard to choose, but the up-close-and-personal experience at this style of racing is one that’s hard to beat.

  May offers four chances to experience the breathtaking beauty of half-ton animals moving at up to 30 m.p.h., while bounding over jumps close to 5 feet high. Come out and experience one of the most ancient sports. Gray skies can’t rain on these parades. Steeplechase is rain or shine.

A Bit of History

  In 1752, a friendly wager between two Irishmen led to the birth of modern day steeplechase racing when Cornelius O’Callaghan and Edmund Burke raced across 4½ miles of countryside from St. John’s Church at Buttevant to St. Mary’s Church in Doneraile. As the tallest landmarks around, church steeples were fitting start and end points for the race, and thus gave their name to the sport - chase to the steeple begat “steeplechase.”

  In 1834, steeplechase racing crossed the Pond and the first American race took place in Washington D.C. Then, in 1909, steeplechasing began in our neck of the woods with the Radnor Hunt Races. And the rest, as they say, is history.

First Up: Winterthur Point-to-Point

  And they’re off! The season kicks off May 3 with the 31st Annual Winterthur Point-to-Point. Fun for the whole family begins the moment gates open at 9:30 a.m.

  Bid on one-of-a-kind rocking horses decorated by regional artists in the Painted Ponies Silent Auction, enter the Race Raffle to win a gift from Tiffany & Co., stroll through the Garden & Galleries, or pick up a souvenir in the marketplace.

  Children of all ages enjoy the Kids Corral and participate in a scavenger hunt, see the Canine Capers dog obstacle course, and try for the winner’s circle themselves in the Stick Horse Races.

  Other can’t-miss events include the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Parade, Antique Autos display, Pony Races and parade of antique carriages . . . and that’s just before lunch!

  The real excitement begins at 2 p.m. with the first of five races. Three timber races (with jumps) and two flat races (without jumps) will entertain the crowd at the Winterthur estate. Boasting total purses of more than $35,000, the competition is sure to be fierce. For a sneak peek at the course, register for the Saturday Fun Run, May 2, and walk or run the 5K Point-to-Point ahead of the horses! 8 a.m. registration, race at 9 a.m. 

When: Sunday, May 3. Gates open 9:30 a.m. Post time 2 p.m.
Where: Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, 5105 Kennett Pk. (Rt. 52), Winterthur, DE
Info: 302-888-4600, 800-448-3883; winterthur.org
Tickets: General admission, $30. Available at Winterthur, online or at local businesses. Fun Run $16-$20.
Benefits: Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Tip: Advance sale only.

Willowdale Steeplechase

  Give Mom a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget. Join 12,000 spectators in a natural amphitheater in the heart of Chester County Hunt Country for the 17th Running of the Willowdale Steeplechase.

  The thunder of hooves will match the beating of your heart as racers hurdle over the spectacular water jump - a 12-foot span with an 18-inch drop - only one of its kind in North America. The unique course layout allows you to see more than 90% of the action, and with some of the best racehorses and top jockeys from around the world making their way through the races, you won’t want to miss a second.

  Thrill to seven races, family fun, terrier races, shops and restaurant booths, pony races and Kid’s Alley with activities for youngsters.

  Combine great memories and help great causes this year at Willowdale. Beneficiaries include Quest Therapeutic Services - a nonprofit group providing pediatric hippotherapy (treatment with the help of a horse) for children with developmental delays; The University of Penn School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center, and Stroud Water Research Center -helping to improve water quality and availability in our local communities.

When: Sunday, May 10. Gates open 10 a.m. Post time 1:30 p.m.
Where: 101 E. Street Rd., Kennett Square, PA
Info: 610-444-1582; willowdale.org
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, children under 12 free. Reserved parking $100-$375.
Benefits: Quest Therapeutic Services, New Bolton Center, Stroud Water Research Center
Tip: Don’t miss the glamorous Water Jump Ball and Auction, May 8.

Radnor Hunt Races

  The third weekend in May hosts the 79th running of the prestigious National Hunt Cup. Five other races round out the day, with purses totaling $215,000 up for grabs.

  Spectators won’t miss a second of the action as each jump and footfall plays out on a Jumbotron screen. The focus is squarely on racing this weekend, without any other activities to distract, and the excitement will pulsate through the crowd as this final leg of the East Coast Triple Crown of Steeplechase gallops toward the finish line.

  These races once again benefit the Brandywine Conservancy, which works to preserve natural and cultural resources in our region through conservation easements, assistance to local governments, historic preservation, and water protection efforts. The Conservancy has helped protect more than 40,000 acres of land! Join in the “Race for Open Space.”

  Arrive early to avoid traffic delays, and if you’re parking on the infield, arrive by noon or miss the first race!

When: Saturday, May 16. Gates open 10 a.m. Post time 1:30 p.m.
Where: Radnor Hunt Grounds, 826 Providence Rd., Malvern, PA
Info: 610-647-4233; radnorhuntraces.org
Tickets: $50 admits all vehicle occupants. Rail parking $100-$500. Other packages. Advance sales only.
Benefits: Brandywine Conservancy
Tip: Stop by the County Lines Tent!

75th Running of the Fair Hill Races

  Celebrate Memorial Day and three-quarters of a century of racing, as steeplechase season in our region crosses the finish line. Some 15,000 spectators will come to the former estate of William du Pont, Jr. for the largest single-day event in Maryland.

  Traditionally, gentlemen would come to the races and place wagers. Fair Hill continues this tradition, holding the distinction of being the only steeplechase in America with pari-mutuel wagering.

  Vendor tents, activities for kids, terrier races, and a tribute to veterans all contribute to the unforgettable experience of the Fair Hill Races.

When: Saturday, May 23. Gates open 10 a.m. Post time 1 p.m.
Where: Rts. 213 & 273, Cecil County, MD
Info: 410-398-6565; fairhillraces.org
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, children under 10 free. Tailgate parking $200.
Benefits: Union Hospital
Tip: Online ticket sales end May 21 

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Triple Crown of Tailgating

  With the Triple Crown of Steeplechasing comes the Triple Crown of Tailgating. You won’t find your run-of-the-mill beer and burgers here. Silver, champagne and finger sandwiches set the tailgating style. Culinary elegance and creativity rail-side is what will earn these galloping gourmets a spot in the Winner’s Circle. 

  A team of judges will make their way through the tailgate areas at Winterthur (May 3), Willowdale (May 10), and Radnor Hunt races (May 16) awarding points to the top three most stylish tailgate hosts. The tailgate with the most cumulative points is the Triple Crown Winner and will receive a complimentary tailgate spot at all three 2010 races, along with bragging rights for the year. 

  Winterthur Point-to-Point: A team of secret judges will wander incognito through the picnic area to choose the winner of the coveted Winterthur Plate. Awards presented at 1:30 p.m.

  Willowdale Steeplechase: Theme: “The Frugal Gour-May.” Participants will be judged on creativity, interpretation of theme, presentation, food and use of the tailgate. Competition begins at 11 a.m.

  Radnor Hunt Races: Theme: “Myths, Legends, & Folklore.” Judging begins at noon, winners announced at 1:30 p.m.

  2008 Triple Crown Winners: Last year’s winners, the Schwartz family and friends, will be showing off their tailgating style. Stop by to see how it’s done!