Atlanta Steeplechase

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Atlanta Steeplechase

The 42nd annual running of the Atlanta Steeplechase near Rome offers dog competitions, pig races, the ladies hat parade, a skydive demonstration and several horse races.

Jerry Cannon (left) and Evan Kohler-Camp of the Atholl Highlanders Pipes & Drums USA group practice as they wait to perform in the official opening ceremonies. The 43rd annual running of the Atlanta Steeplechase was Saturday located near Rome.

Jockey Danielle Hodsdon, riding Fra Diavolo, takes the lead in the first lap against jockey Padge Whelan on Jazzitupgeorge (left) during the Grey Goose Vodka Hurdle race at the Atlanta Steeplechase. Jazzitupgeorge went on to win the race, and Fra Diavolo placed second.

Connor Jensen (from left), Abigail Robertson, Clara Robertson and Madi Jensen keep their eyes out for the tiny Jack Russell Terriers making their way down the track during the barking hound races.

Skydiver Kyle Starck gives a high-five to excited spectator Holly Hunsaker after he completed his descent to the ground.

Julia Ann Gore delights in the work of Connie Woltz's "Beach Bunnies" hat which Woltz made for the whimsical hat competition.

Emma Thompson (from left), Elizabeth Nicholson, Amanda Dysart and Maxxe Albert-Deitch line up and await their turn to show off their hats in the children's hat competition.

Susan Garner (from left), Missy West, Teresa Resch and Linda Pecchio wave to the audience on the lawn while Karen Clark and Debroah Olsen check out the scene behind them during the ladies hat parade and competition.

Meghan Lindstrom, (9, left) and her seven-year-old sister Grace Lindstrom, watch as Caroline Hall, 10, reaches up to pet the horse of outrider James O'Callaghan. As an outrider, O'Callaghan's role during a race is to catch loose horses or to help a jockey in the event of an accident.

Hugh Nelson helps to steady his excited two-year-old grandson Nathan Musierowicz as they take a turn on the pony rides.

A large crowd gathers to watch pigs race around a small track.

Yachi Hirai practices his frisbee moves with his border collie Beast Bee before they compete in the Super Open portion of the Disc Dog Southern Nationals.

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Jerry Cannon (left) and Evan Kohler-Camp of the Atholl Highlanders Pipes & Drums USA group practice as they wait to perform in the official opening ceremonies. The 43rd annual running of the Atlanta Steeplechase was Saturday located near Rome.

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