For Immediate Release
2008 Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens
When:
The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens will host its 24th Running on November 1, 2008.
What:
Steeplechase is a competitive sporting event that provides spectators an opportunity to watch the thrills, smarts and athletic ability of Thoroughbred race horses as they jump over 52” high hurdles at premium speeds. Thoroughbreds, almost all converted from flat racing, compete in 12 states at some 36 National Steeplechase Association (NSA) stops both in the spring and fall of every year. They have lineages proven with official Jockey Club registration papers, and are ridden by the top steeplechase jockeys in the nation.
The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens has been one of these meets for the past 23 years. Mason Lampton, Race Chairman, was the visionary who combined his love of steeplechasing with the community’s needs. “Our mission has always been to support the arts in the community, using the steeplechase as a vehicle to do so,” says Mason. He continues, “This has proven to be a positive experience for everyone, both in the area of adding an additional sporting event which is entertaining for anyone at any age, as well as allowing us to contribute a total of $2.4 million to the arts in the region."
Where:
The 2-3/8 mile course at Callaway Gardens has been cited as one of the most beautiful in the United States. The 200 acre site is cradled in hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with rolling hills overlooking Pine Mountain Ridge. The scenery is punctuated with striking colors of the changing leaves. It is a wonderful setting for a day in the country.
2007 Proceeds:
The proceeds from the 2007 Race were distributed in March 2008. $180,000 was distributed to our 5 beneficiaries: The Columbus Museum, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, The Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, and The Springer Opera House. An additional partnership with the Auburn Veterinary College of Medicine is made possible through the proceeds.
2008 Race Director:
Claudia Garrard is the 2008 Race Director. Claudia along with her Race Committee is gearing up for a great year. “This year promises to be a great year. The Steeplechase offers an opportunity for families to spend the day together. This year we will be offering a Kids Zone wristband for $15 to access many fun activities. We are also excited about our Terrace Redesign. This takes our race to a whole new level and it gives our attendees greater visibility and a more authentic box feel. “
New for 2008:
There are many new features in 2008. The most exciting is the redesign of the Terrace Area. The improvements were made possible with the help from local landscape architects Jordan, Jones and Goulding and Vance Smith Construction. The Terrace has been re-graded and terraced to allow for excellent views of the races from each box. The winners circle has been moved across the track and closer to the terrace boxes. This will allow for patrons to share in the excitement of the winners as they are awarded their trophies.
The Infield also has several new features. The Infield will host a Kids Zone, which will feature Inflatable Slides, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Ice-Cream and More! Parents will be able to purchase a $15 wristband per child for entrance to the activities.
Also new for 2008 The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens will host a raffle drawing for an Acura TL 2009 Luxury 4 Door Sedan, Courtesy of Acura of Columbus. There will be a 1 in 1,000 chance to win. Raffle tickets will be pre-sold on the Steeplechase website and will also be available race day before the 3:30 drawing. In addition, Acura of Columbus will be selling raffle tickets at their dealership. The winning ticket does not need to be present to win.
We are thrilled with these new features and are certain that they will enhance the experience of our patrons.
Purse:
This year’s total purse for The Steeplechase at Callaway is $215,000, making it the fourth largest purse in the nation. “It is extremely important to keep our purse at the upper level,” says Mason, “…so you have quality horses who put on a quality show. It ensures your race has the best trainers and riders so our patrons are watching the best of the best in steeplechasing. After all, without the horses, there is no steeplechase!”
Sponsor Support:
Thanks to the generosity and long-standing support of Aflac, The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens continues the tradition of the Aflac U.S. Supreme Hurdle Novice Series Race with a total purse of $100,000 for this race alone. “The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens is a high-energy, premiere event. What it has done for the arts in our region is tremendous, and Aflac is truly proud of its long association with this pre-eminent landmark in steeplechase racing,” says Kathelen Amos, President, Aflac Foundation.
Another great, faithful benefactor, Don Leebern, III, with Georgia Crown, also enthusiastically embraces our Race with their sponsorship of the Crown Royal Sport of Queens Stakes. This race is for fillies and mares and carries a purse of $50,000. “We are honored to be able to support an event of this quality in our community,” says Don Leebern, III. “It has always been a great day for me; enjoying family and friends, as well as watching the thoroughbreds compete.”
Race Information:
- There are a total of Six Races.
- Gates Open at 10am.
- Race A: Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony Race, Race at 12pm.
- Race B: Vroooom Technology Junior Hunter Race, Race at 12:30pm. Purse: $200
- First Race: WC Bradley Maiden Timber, Race at 1pm. Purse: $20,000
- Second Race: The Collie Jennings Mullin Maiden Hurdle sponsored by CB&T, Race at 1:30 pm. Purse: $20,000
- Third Race: Aflac Championship Supreme Hurdle, Race at 2pm. Purse: $100,000
- Fourth Race: Crown Royal Sport of Queens Stakes, Race at 2:30pm. Purse: $50,000
- Fifth Race: SunTrust Maiden Hurdle, Race at 3pm. Purse: $25,000
- Sixth Race: Jay Automotive Group Flat, Race at 3:45pm. Purse: $500
- Post Race Celebration begins at 4pm.
Race Day Activities:
A sample of our tentative race day schedule is posted on our website. 2008 Race Schedule will be posted in September. Here are some highlights:
- Stick Pony Race: Kids ages 10 & Under. Stick Horse Race with colored sashes.
- Sunny 100 Tailgate Competition
- Ledger Enquirer “Best Box” Competition
- Southern Views Hat Contest- Winning categories will be: “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.
- Wachovia Race Arcade- will house the works of regional artists and retail vendors.
- Galloping Gourmets will again showcase the chefs’ competition. Regional chefs will present their signature dish for a chance at first place recognition in the Winner’s Circle. W. J. Deutsch Company, a Georgia Crown wine distributor, will pair a wine with each dish for patrons to enjoy. You may participate in the chefs’ tasting with a Galloping Gourmets ticket for $20.
- Jack Russell Terrier Races will have three separate heats. Come early as they will run at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
- 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.
Chasers Eve:
Chasers Eve, the kick off of the Steeplechase weekend, will be held on Friday evening, October 31st. This event, sponsored by J. Smith Lanier & Co., will be a casual evening this year. Guests will enjoy entertainment and dinner from Chef Jaime Keating. Chasers Eve will also host a Silent Auction. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online by visiting our website
www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org or by calling The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens office 706.324.6252.
Directions:
From Columbus take I-185 to Exit #30 at Hopewell Church Road. Drive east eight miles to State Road #18. Turn right on State Road #18. Turn right on Nelson Road and follow the signs.
From Atlanta take I-85 south. Take Exit #21 at I-185. Take Exit #34 at State Road #18. Drive east five miles to Nelson Road and follow the signs.
From Montgomery take I-85 north. Take Exit #21 at I-185. Take Exit #34 at State Road #18. Drive east five miles to Nelson Road and follow the signs.
Ticket Information:
Ticket pricing ranges from $25 per person and up. Box seats range from $325 for six to $500 for six. Tent packages begin at $700 for six and are available for entertaining larger families or corporate guests by calling the Steeplechase Office. Reserved Rail Packages in the Infield are $270 for six. Single tickets or ticket packages are available for purchase online at
www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org. If you would like to arrange your purchase with our staff please call 706.324.6252.