AIKEN - Organizers have been preparing for the second leg of the Aiken Triple Crown for months and say that this year's racing will be enjoyed by more than 30,000 people.
The Aiken Steeplechase is run at Ford Conger Field, which is just less than a mile from start to finish and wide enough for 10 horses, according to Paul Sauerborn, president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association.
The track is covered by rye grass and is maintained year-round by Ed Coward, who will cut the grass down to specifications for the March 22 racing.
In steeplechasing, jockeys guide their horses over a series of jumps during a race, which can sometimes lead to spills. Conditions must be perfect.
To better care for the grass on the field, a new irrigation system has been installed, Mr. Sauerborn said.
"(The Aiken Steeplechase Association) has been wanting one for a good while, because the summers we've had have been really hot, and some of them have been dry," he said.
Lush grass absorbs impact as the horses gallop, he added.
"We should have green grass forever now," said Georgianna Conger, Steeplechase Association board member. The field was named in memory of her father, Ford Conger, who was the chairman of the organization until his death in August 1993.
Her father had an abounding love for horses and horse-related sports, she said.
"I can't remember a time when my parents weren't involved" with fox hunting and steeplechasing, Ms. Conger said.
"His favorite word was 'convivial,' and I think that would be a wonderful way of describing" the Aiken Steeplechase, she said.
Convivial means festive, friendly and being fond of merry company.
Steeplechasing dates back 250 years to when English and Irish noblemen would race from one church to another.
The Aiken Steeplechase was first run in 1931, but was suspended during World War II.
Almost 40 years after its revival, the second leg of the Triple Crown has maintained enthusiastic public interest, becoming Aiken's premier sporting event.
A fall steeplechase was added 11 years ago after the success of the spring running.
"I encourage people to leave their homes early to get to their locations and make a good day out of it," Mr. Sauerborn said.
General admission tickets have never sold out before the day of the steeplechase, but it's possible this year if the weather is nice, Ms. Conger said.
For more information, go to www.aikensteeplechase.com.
Reach Sara Bancroft at (803) 279-6895 or sara.bancroft@augustachronicle.com.
