Activities & Races
Gates open 9 a.m. April 19. Tickets are $30 at select Publix or at Ticketmaster.com for $38.5o including fees; children 12 and under free. www.atlantasteeplechase.org
To get to Kingston Downs: Take I-75 north, take exit 293. Turn left onto U.S. 411. Go 3.2 miles and turn right onto U.S. 41/411 ramp toward Rome. Go 2.9 miles and turn right onto U.S. 411 to Rome. Go 12 miles to Gore Spring Road on right. Follow directional signs to parking location.
Note: Georgia State Route 20 will be detoured Race Day. Do not use Exit 290.
Other events:
10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Jack Russell Terrier Races, pony rides, hay rides, camel rides, rock climbing & shopping in the infield
11 a.m. Atlanta Peoplechase 5k
11:45 p.m. Air Show and Skydive demonstration
12:15 p.m. Bagpipers to the Tower. Opening Ceremonies
1:15 Horses to paddock for first race
4 p.m. (approximate) Last race
6:30 p.m. Course close
Race Schedule
1:30 BB&T Maiden Claiming Hurdle
2:10 Enghouse Transportation Maiden Hurdle
2:50 Coca-Cola Refreshments Georgia Cup
3:15 Camp Southern Ground Inc. and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Hurdle
4:00 Turf Race powered by Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta
Race Schedule
1:30 BB&T Maiden Claiming Hurdle
2:10 Enghouse Transportation Maiden Hurdle
2:50 Coca-Cola Refreshments Georgia Cup
3:15 Camp Southern Ground Inc. and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Hurdle
4:00 Turf Race powered by Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta
Chances are your spring calendar is loaded with baseball games, concerts and festivals. But one Atlanta event, now in its 49th year, has positioned itself as not only one of the great yearly sporting events in the region, but also one of the social events of the year for metro Atlantans.
It’s also educational and a lot of fun.
The Atlanta Steeplechase is a series of five races on a turf course where horses must take at least nine jumps at full speed, plus a flat race that can be an all-out sprint.
Taking place on April 19 at the sprawling 435-acre Kingston Downs complex about 30 miles north up I-75, the day will also features an air show, food vendors, Jack Russell Terrier races, a petting zoo with pony rides, live music and, of course, the popular infield hat contest. Proceeds this year benefit the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
The afternoon races, which draw thousands from around the southeast, feature the best riders and horses on the steeplechase circuit.
Even though the event is one year shy of its golden anniversary, it’s still a big year for the Atlanta Steeplechase.
These races mark several important milestones, event Chairman George Chase said. This year will honor the memory of his father, George E. Chase Sr., and recognize Executive Director Jean Bird’s 15 years of service.
Gates open at 9 a.m. with registration and an Easter egg hunt. Next up are the dog races and the hat contest before the horses take to the course.
This event is not only an Atlanta tradition, but also a family tradition for many attendees.
Heather Shankwiler of Atlanta has attended every Steeplechase since the 1980s, either as a fan or volunteer, and now shares the experience with her husband and her 5-year old son, Christopher.
“I grew up on a horse farm in Crabapple, now Milton and have a deep love for the horse community in Georgia and beyond,” said Shankwiler. “I love horse racing. We have seen different groups of people (come) at different times and always have a great time with the mix of people we bring and have around us.”
For those who spend the entire day on the premises, which can begin early with tailgating, Steeplechase organizers offer a few tips:
Plan for weather
The Atlanta Steeplechase takes place rain or shine. Wear layers. You can always peel off a layer or two. And wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking an area that is a grass field every other day of the year.
“I’ve learned my lesson that while the sundress is a good idea, the heels that are usually with them are not,” Shankwiler said. “Plan on a nice flat, wedge sandals or espadrilles.”
Hats, hats, hats
Bring your hats! Pretty, practical or completely “done up.” They not only make a fashion statement, but assist in finding your friends in a crowd while keeping the sun off pale noses and shoulders. There are also two hat contests in which you can participate.
Come early and coordinate
This would include transportation and food/beverages for you tailgaters. Large parties and tailgaters are not only allowed but encouraged in the spirit of the races. Make sure you have designated drivers, too.
Pack a steeplechase kit
Shankwiler advises that you pack a “kit” comprised of bottled water, sunscreen, wet wipes, hand sanitizer and an extra roll of toilet paper. Being in a field means facilities are not always as available as needed.
Be patient
There is only one road in and out of the facility, so bring your patience. Pace yourself throughout the day and if you leave after the last race, wash up and use the facilities before you exit.
Coming off what Atlantans would consider a long winter, expect horse enthusiasts to show up at Kingston Downs in droves. Shankwiler says she will be ready.
“It is a great day outside with horses, friends and good food,” she said. “I look forward to my new experience seeing this through my son’s eyes this time around.”
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