Stylish Sun Beats Rain During 87th Annual Virginia Gold Cup Races!

Be sure to check out all 237 of our photographs from this event HERE!

The Guest List:

THE PLAINS, Va. -- Despite the overcast sky that loomed large over Great Meadow on Saturday afternoon, Mother Nature delivered a rain-free forecast (with even the occasional pocket of sun) during the 87th running of the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race.


Some 50,000 D.C. metro area residents bused, taxied, limoed, and drove to The Plains, Virginia for the springtime Fauquier County tradition, which dates back to 1922 and is one of region’s most popular sporting events.



The daylong program includes something for just about everyone, with six hurdle and timber horses races, Jack Russell Terrier races, tent, tailgate and hat contests, and vendor booths for shopping.


Attendees come from all walks of life and age groups, with the more established supporters enjoying gourmet meals, open cigar and flowing wine bars on tony Members Hill (which overlooks the Winners Circle).


Simultaneously, Gold Cup’s younger patrons congregate in the dozens of other tents that line the race track which, in turn, are sponsored by area businesses and organizations both large and small. Everyone from Booz Allen Hamilton to the Unviersity of Virginia to Town Hall restaurant to The Capital Club non-profit can be counted on to host a party, with many attendees hopping from tent to tent.


Springtime fashion is on full display throughout, with the outdoor event offering most guests one of the first real opportunities of the season to sport warmer weather colors and hats.


Proceeds from race day benefit the Great Meadow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Great Meadow's open space for community access.


And that’s a cause with a winning ticket, to be sure!

Be sure to check out all 237 of our photographs from this event HERE!