A large crowd is expected to attend the 35th annual Aiken Steeplechase Saturday at Ford Conger Field.
Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and the first race, a one-mile flat race on turf, will begin at 1 p.m.
``We have had steady sales all week,'' said the Aiken Steeplechase representative Georgianna Conger. ``We're not sold out, but we've only got a few left. Anticipation has been high for this year. Mainly because the track is in very good condition.''
More than 33,000 fans turned out last year to watch jockey Gus Brown win the featured Regions Bank Imperial Cup on Aggro Crag. Rider Sean Clancy had the most success on the day, earning two first place wins. Both riders are back.
The Aiken Steeplechase, the middle leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, is a National Steeplechase Association event.
``They all hope they have the horse to beat,'' Conger added. ``Most of these horses are just starting out, they have the potential to be superstars, but not just yet.''
Goldsmith will be participating as the lone representative for Dogwood Stable in all six races.
Goldsmith will be shipped out to Belmont in New York at the end of the month along with about a dozen other Dogwood Stable horses. The flat race should get Goldsmith back into running form after a short layoff.
``This race will serve as a tuneup for horses that have been out of action for a while,'' Dogwood Stable's Mary Jane Howell said. ``So it is important, even though it's not one of the steeplechase runs.''
Following the flat race will be five steeplechase events, which will cover 2Å miles, totaling 13 jumps after the horses circle the track 21/2 times.
There were no spills on the jumps in last year's Steeplechase races.
``We had a really hard winter, but the track has great footing,'' Conger added. ``It should be some great, clean races. You can never tell what's going to happen, but the track's condition won't be a hinder.''
In a break from the races, coaches from the Four-In-Hand Club and the Coaches Club of New York will participate in the carriage parade, along with the Aiken Driving Club. It will take place between races two and three.
General admission tickets are still available and are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate on Saturday.
Reach Patrick Green at (803) 648-1395.
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