Competitors in 2003's Fall Aiken Steeplechase clear an obstacle as they head toward the finish line. Chris Thelen/Staff

Triple Crown signals horse revelry

AIKEN - Horses and high times. Welcome to the month of March in Aiken, when three consecutive weekends of horse revelry known as the Triple Crown takes the city from partially horse-crazed to fully gone.

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Robert Massey riding Snowball Flannagan clears the last obstacle before taking the win in the Regions Bank Imperial Cup at last year's Aiken Spring Steeplechase. Chris Thelen/Staff

"It's the climax, you might say, to the horse events in Aiken," Mayor Fred Cavanaugh said.

The festivities get started March 13 with the 62nd running of the Aiken Trials, a flat track sprint for 2- and 3-year-old horses at Aiken Training Track. Past contests have catapulted horses to equestrian fame.

"I think it's a great training ground for these horses," said Ron Stevens, a trainer at Legacy Stables and the vice president of the Aiken Training Track.

But with horse racing, he said, "there are no sure things."

The festivities, on the other hand, can be counted on.

Past crowds have swelled to 15,000 people, and tailgating and gentlemen's bets are par for the course.

The Aiken Steeplechase, the biggest of the three events, is part of a nationwide horse racing circuit, and more than $85,000 in prize money will be on the line this year.

But the March 20 race has become equally as popular for its infield festivities, which have attracted crowds estimated at more than 30,000 in recent years.

The party scene features some of the most regal horse enthusiasts - common markings include fine dress and fancy hats - and among the most ordinary, who might be spotted gulping cold beer, with little interest in the activities.

This year's final leg takes a detour from harness racing to polo.

The last leg of the Triple Crown typically has been the most laid back, and only time will tell how the team sport is received.

Organizers are promising a good time. "It's just a great time for both visitors and the community," Mr. Cavanaugh said.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Sunday, March 7, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle