AIKEN --- The Triple Crown ain't over yet.

The Aiken Trials were Saturday, but the Aiken Steeplechase and the Pacers and Polo match will be held the next two weekends.

As always, the success of the Aiken Triple Crown doesn't lie only with the horses; Mother Nature also plays a big part.

"All the Triple Crown events are kind of dependent on the weather," said Randy Warrick, the athletic director at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Mr. Warrick, spokesman for the last leg of the annual equestrian competitions, said that Pacers and Polo does not affect the official scores but that it is a real match for the horses and riders.

Trophies will be given and awards handed out, he said.

"Polo is always a fun, festive atmosphere," he said. "Hopefully, we'll have a great polo match. People get a chance to see the horses up close, and the polo riders."

But before the polo match comes the 42nd running of the Spring Steeplechase on Saturday. The second leg of the Triple Crown features The Mad Hatter's Ball the night before the races.

Albert C. Bostwick, the vice president of the steeplechase association, said tickets are going fast for the event, with the infield parking spaces already taken.

They're expecting about 30,000 people, he said, the same as last year's turnout.

Held at Ford Conger Field every year, the steeplechase features six races, a tent party, the village of shops and a carriage parade.

Pacers and Polo, whose proceeds will benefit the USC Aiken Pacer Club, will be held at Powder House Polo Field on Powderhouse Road on March 29. After the opening ceremony, the day will feature six 7-minute chukkers.

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com