The social event of the season runs tomorrow, Saturday, November 15, the Steeplechase at Callaway. The gate and hospitality tents open at 9:00 am. Throughout the day, the event will feature the Blade & Bow Pavilion, where guests can buy souvenirs and Silent Auction tickets, including a chance to win a $5,000 travel voucher for a trip of your choice planned by Columbus Travel.
There is more, including live music, Clingstone Kids Corral, and the Midland Foxhounds Parade. The races begin at Noon and continue until the last run at 3:40 pm.
Hats and horses seem to go hand and head. The Steeplechase Hat Contest features categories including Best Homemade, Biggest Showstopper, and Most Southern Flare. The winners will be announced at 2:20 pm, just before the Aflac Supreme Hurdle, awarding a purse of $75,000.
The race started 41 years ago, and carries on a family legacy of Mason Lampton, his father, and grandfather. Their background brought a love of foxhunting that led to forming steeplechase races. When Mason married Mary Lu Hardaway, it brought everything full circle. Her father, Ben Hardaway, was a legendary foxhound breeder, prominent businessman, and philanthropist.
That history led Lampton to host the first horse racing event in the area, The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. A strong believer in the arts, Mason has generously donated the event’s profits to the local arts community. He believes that a strong cultural community improves the quality of life.
Since its beginning, proceeds from the Steeplechase have generated over $4 million for arts-related organizations in the Columbus area, including the Columbus Symphony, Historic Columbus, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, the Springer Opera House, Callaway Gardens, and the Columbus Museum.
There is still time to get tickets here. Silent Auction bids also remain available. You can bid by clicking here.
