ON THE COVER: Petra Kappel (right) falls from her mount, Al Skywalker, during last year's Steeplechase, which many consider to be the most exciting event in the Aiken Triple Crown. STAFF

Race for the Crown

Spring brings horses, jockeys, fans to Aiken's exciting tracks

Web posted March 17, 2000

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By Greg Rickabaugh
South Carolina Bureau

AIKEN -- During three Saturdays in spring, Aiken celebrates its horse heritage.

The Triple Crown is a chance for people to witness the work of the trainers, jockeys and owners who spend the winter in Aiken preparing for a year of racing.

Each day of racing has a different format, style and atmosphere. Together, they attract more than 40,000 people each year.

This year, the Aiken Trials will be Saturday, followed by the Aiken Steeplechase on March 25 and the Aiken Harness Race on April 1.

Here's a look at each event:

THE AIKEN TRIALS -- The first jewel in the Triple Crown is a flat race for thoroughbreds -- the first test under race conditions for many of the young horses. The idea is to make the atmosphere of the Aiken Training Track similar to that of Saratoga or Churchill Downs.

The 58-year-old event is special for winter thoroughbred training communities. For many spectators, the excitement of the Trials comes from the possibility of getting a glimpse of a future superstar.

AIKEN STEEPLECHASE -- While the Trials and the Harness Race are just practice, the Aiken Steeplechase is for real.

Aiken is the first stop on the spring circuit for the National Steeplechase Association. In 1999, purses at the event totaled $85,000.

Triple Crown Section  Race for the crown  Steeplechase event grows  Horses help economy  Trials test young horses  Facilities draw trainers  Gelderlanders to compete  Harness racing fever  Harness racing began as a 'church activity'   MAPS  Aiken Trials  Steeplechase  Harness Race

The Steeplechase is the most elegant of the three races. Horses and riders jump over fences on a grass track. Under a striped tent on the outside rail, men in coats and ties and women in fancy hats and flowered dresses will eat, drink and dance to a big band.

A spectator once described it as ``the Easter Parade of horse races.''

On the infield, much of the crowd is made up of tailgating college students -- often clad in ties and shorts -- for whom the event is a great excuse for an outdoor afternoon party.

Steeplechasing was started in Aiken in the early 1930s by Pete Bostwick, a jockey and winner of the English Imperial Cup, one of horse racing's most prestigious steeplechase awards. The annual event stopped during World War II and wasn't revived until 1967.

After Aiken, the steeplechase circuit goes on to almost 40 more steps before returning to Ford Conger Field in November for the second-to-last race of the year.

THE AIKEN HARNESS RACE -- The Harness Race at McGhees' Mile draws the smallest crowd but has the most family-oriented atmosphere.

Riders are pulled behind their horses on a two-wheeled cart, called a sulky. The horses must run in specific gaits -- both legs on a side moving together is called a pace; when opposing legs -- front left and right rear, for example -- move together, it is called a trot.

Not satisfied merely to test their horses under near-race conditions, the drivers in the harness races practice race scenarios, such as dropping back to see if their horse can come from behind and win.

What some of the races may lack in competition, they make up for in family fun. Younger children are more prevalent here than at the other two Triple Crown events and sometimes dart onto the track to play between races.

The Aiken Trials

When: Saturday. The event is sponsored by the Aiken Jaycees.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. for a 2 p.m. post time.

Tickets: Adults, $6 in advance, $8 at the gate.

Parking: General admission parking is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Campers and motor home reserved parking, back row only, $20. Infield rail: $75; Outfield rail: $60; Outfield second row: $50; Outfield third row: $40.

Reserved parking includes four admission tickets and one vehicle pass.

Information: Call the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at (803) 641-1111.

The Aiken Steeplechase

When: March 25. The event is sponsored by the Aiken Steeplechase Association and Aiken Sertoma Club.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m.; post time is 1 p.m.

Tickets: Guarantor packages, which include four tent passes to the races and the Friday-night tent party, lunch and preferred parking, are $250. Additional guarantor passes are $62.50.

Subscriber packages, which include four tickets and preferred parking, are $150. Additional tickets are $10.

General admission tickets for adults are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate; children 6 and under free.

Parking: $5 at Powderhouse Polo Field with vans and oversized vehicles in a special area only. Reserved general admission railside parking (includes two tickets), $75.

Information:< The Steeplechase Association office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at (803) 648-9641. Proceeds of the Hunt Meet go to Helping Hands, an emergency shelter for children.

The Aiken Harness Race

When: April 1. The event is sponsored by the University of South Carolina Aiken and the USC Aiken Pacer Club.

Gates open at 10 a.m. for a 1 p.m. post time.

Tickets: Adults $8; children 6-11 $5; younger than 6 free.

Parking: First row railside parking, which includes four adult tickets, $65. Second row with four tickets, $40. General admission parking with program, $2. Campers and motor homes, reserved back row only.

Information: Call the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at (803) 641-1111.