Triple Crown has two more jewels
By Sandi Martin| South Carolina Bureau Chief
Sunday, March 16, 2008

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

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Aiken Spring Steeplechase

WHEN: Saturday; gates open at 9:30 a.m., first race is at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Ford Conger Field, Audubon Drive and Powderhouse Road, Aiken

PRICE: $10 general admission in advance, $15 at the gate

WHAT: Pacers and Polo

WHEN: March 29; gates open at 11 a.m., and the first event is at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Powder House Polo Field on Powerderhouse Road, Aiken

PRICE: $10 adults and $5 children at the gate, advance tickets are $8 for adults; parking is $5

From the Sunday, March 16, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
Reader Comments
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Augusta Chronicle. Please read our full comments policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the icon.
Your display name is (change display name)
YOUR MESSAGE:
You have 1200 characters left.


advertisement

advertisement

TopJobs


Augusta-area Top Jobs
Professional Excellent opportunity for team oriented professional individual with strong interpersonal and client service skills, ability to adhere to operational procedures and guidelines for routine... (more)
Community Credit of Augusta hiring an Assistant Manager . Exp helpful, not necessary. 401k, vacations & bonus plans. Need trans, clean background check and good MVR. Apply in person with background ... (more)
County Office Hiring *ADDRESS CLERK* Must have data entry skills. $12-16 | hr & full benefits Call 706.868.6800 Full time position entering data into 911 systems. J#211 Pro Resources $185 PERM (more)


© 2009 The Augusta Chronicle|Terms of service|About our ads|Help|Contact us|Subscribe|Local business listings


shopping & services

What:
Where:



advertisement