The thoroughbred horses that run the Atlanta Steeplechase, meeting for the 51st time in Rome, Ga. this Saturday, are big beautiful animals.
But the horses that pull the Budweiser wagon make the thoroughbreds look like Chihuahuas.
Bred on the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland to pull heavy loads, the Clydesdales stand up to four inches taller than the thoroughbreds and are up to 1,000 pounds heavier.
These handsome creatures will make a ceremonial appearance at the Steeplechase this weekend, and there is good news for those who have fantasized about riding up there on that wagon full of beer: For the first time, Steeplechase attendees can bid on an opportunity to ride behind the Clydesdales.
The bidding, taking place on eBay, is already underway, and had reached $510 as of Tuesday morning. Bidding ends on Thursday, at 3:48 p.m. You can navigate to the auction through the Steeplechase's Facebook page.
The high bidder (21 and over only, please) will climb to the top of the wagon, and take a leisurely ride around the grassy track, a distance of a mile plus just three furlongs.
The Steeplechase contributes its proceeds to a charity each year, and is partnering again with Bert’s Big Adventure, a non-profit created by radio personality Bert Weiss that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses to Disney World.
Along with the five horse races, both flat and over hurdles, the Steeplechase offers other amusements, including skydivers, dog races, a hat contest (the Steeplechase is known for the fanciful hats on the women who attend) and bagpipers.
The event takes place Saturday, April 23, on the 435-acre Kingston Downs, on the Bartow-Floyd County line. Gates open at 9 a.m., the first race is at 1:30 p.m. and the last is at around 5 p.m. Tickets are $30.
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