AIKEN - The city's annual rite of spring begins Saturday when the 64th annual Aiken Trials kicks off the Triple Crown.
Featuring equine events over three successive weekends, the Triple Crown highlights the horse community for which Aiken is known.
The first jewel in the crown will include six races for 2- and 3-year-old horses.
"The Aiken Trials is very much similar to a children's dance recital after months of practice," said Cothran "Cot" Campbell, the president of Dogwood Stable Inc., which trains racehorses at the track.
The Trials give early bloomers a chance to show their stuff during the flat track quarter-mile sprints, and many thoroughbreds that train in Aiken go on to capture bigger prizes. Sea Hero won the 1993 Kentucky Derby, and Summer Squall, a Dogwood horse, won the 1990 Preakness Stakes.
"It's a great place to showcase our up-and-coming stars," said Bernadette Clayton, an Aiken Trials committee member.
More than 10,000 people typically attend the trials. The proceeds will benefit the Aiken Jaycees.
The 40th renewal of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase on March 25 is expected to draw even bigger crowds.
The steeplechase brings about 30,000 spectators to Ford Conger Field.
About 1,500 "diehard horse people" attended the event when it was revived in 1967, said Paul Sauerborn, the president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association board of directors.
This meet, which is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and is part of the spring circuit, also features six races. One race is on a flat course, and the horses jump over about 15 hurdles in the other five races.
Proceeds from the steeplechase will benefit Helping Hands Inc., a home for at-risk children, and Aiken Rescue Squad.
The final leg of the Triple Crown, a polo match between two teams, Biddle Realty and Burger King, is expected to attract at least 5,000 people. Proceeds will benefit the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacer Club, the athletic department's booster organization.
This is the third year that polo, which replaced harness racing, has been part of the Triple Crown. The sport, however, is hardly new to the city.
Next year will mark the 125th year of polo in Aiken, said Charlie Bostwick, of the Aiken Polo Club.
Last year, he said, the club ran 43 tournament games.
Reach Betsy Gilliland at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Aiken Trials
WHEN: Saturday; gates open at 10:30 a.m.; races start at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Aiken Training Track, Two Notch Road
PARKING: Advance $5; Race Day $10 (Main gate is on Two Notch Road; infield parking gate is on Audubon Road.)
TICKETS: Advance $8; race day $10 (children 6 and younger admitted free); advance tickets are available at H. Odell Weeks Activity Center, Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, All Star Rents, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, Southern Saddlery
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