Union County NC's Biggest Equestrian Event is the Queen's Cup Steeplechase

Union County NC’s Biggest Equestrian Event is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase

Whether you love horses or not, you’ll love spending Saturday April 24th at Union County NC’s biggest equestrian event—the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase.  Celebrating its fifteenth year, the Queen’s Cup is a day-long family event for socializing and enjoying the sport of steeplechase racing.  The last Saturday in April typically shows Union County at its spring-time finest with warm sunny weather and beautiful azaleas, green grass and trees.

If you attend the Queen’s Cup, don’t forget to wear your best spring hat.  Both men and women wear hats for the day plus sundresses and polo shirts and khakis.  More formal attire, including jackets and ties and linen suits, are required for guests on Member’s Hill and The Paddock.  Tailgating spots are located throughout the entire racecourse.  At mid-day, you can participate in the Hat Judging and the Tailgate Contests.

This wonderful Union County NC equestrian event takes place at Brooklandwood, a racecourse and farm in Mineral Springs.  Hidden from view by a tree-lined boundary, Brooklandwood was constructed on 260 acres and opened to the public in 2000.  Considered to be state of the art, the racecourse has a Steward’s Tower, a four-acre pond, and perfect viewing angles from every part of the course.  Development rights of 201 acres of Brooklandwood have been placed into a permanent easement with the Catawba Lands Conservancy to protect it from development.

What are some of the fun events you can expect at this Saturday’s Steeplechase?

• Start the morning with the Jack Russell Terrier Races at 10:30am.
• A jockey course walk at 11:00am precedes the Opening Ceremonies at 11:30am.
• Join the Hat Contest and the Tailgate Contest at 11:45 to 12:00.
• Racing begins at 1:30 and continues through six horse races with the last at 4:15pm.
• Children can enjoy Brooklandwood Village with its souvenirs and raffle sales, pony rides, Carolina Raptor Center display, military display and food vendor.

Click here to learn more about horse farms and equestrian facilities in Union County NC.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Union County’s Biggest Equestrian Event is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase*