If seven races with a $220,000 total purse aren’t enough to lure you to the Fall Foxfield Races, a couple of new activities may get your heart racing.
New for the family-friendly festivities in Albemarle County just outside Charlottesville is a parade of about 25 Porsche cars for sports car enthusiasts and, for the youngest horse fans, cart rides powered by miniature horses from Reinbow Mini-Horses.
“I guess you could say we have a lot of horsepower planned,” Marian Fife, Foxfield’s executive director, told The Daily Progress. “We want to have the kids engaged, so we’re always thinking outside the box.”
Porsche Charlottesville has been a race sponsor for many years
“They’re going to drive down Garth Road together,” Fife said. The vehicles then are to be in a roped-off area inside the site’s west gate so fans can take a closer look.
Organizers are expecting 4,000 to 5,000 spectators at the races, which continue rain or shine. The fall races raise funds for Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity, while the spring races benefit Camp Holiday Trails; since 2021, the races have raised more than $440,000 for the two local charities.
A vendor village is to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with merchandise, food and coffee, while the children’s tent is set to open at 10 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. Children’s activities on the itinerary include fly-fishing demonstrations with Orvis, hobby horse building with Free Union Country School and all things pony with 4-H Hoof n’ Woof. Youngsters are also to get their own chance to salute race beneficiary Habitat for Humanity with some building projects with Bricks and Minifigs.
A truck touch, offering young visitors the chance to see large trucks up close, is set to start at 10:30 a.m.
For canine fans, Farmington Beagles plans to present the Parade of Hounds at 10:30 a.m., followed by Farmington Hunt Club’s Parade of Hounds at 10:45 a.m.
Savannah Hankins is set to sing the national anthem at 11:25 a.m.
Post time for the day’s first race, the Maiden Claiming Hurdle, is at noon.
The Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle follows at 12:30 p.m.
The Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle is to begin at 1:05 p.m., followed by hobby horse races at 1:15 p.m.
The fourth race, a Ratings Handicap Hurdle, is to start at 1:40 p.m., followed by a check presentation to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville at 1:45 p.m. Another Ratings Handicap Hurdle is set for 2:15 p.m.
The Mariann de Tejada Memorial Foundation Race-Sport of King Hurdle Stakes is set to begin at 2:50 p.m. with a $75,000 purse, the day’s largest. Mariann de Tejada bought the Albemarle County property for the Foxfield Racing Association in 1977 and designed and built the racecourse.
The day’s final race, the Training Flat, is scheduled for 3:25 p.m.
Foxfield is part of the National Steeplechase Association, and the fall and spring races are drawing higher-profile horses and jockeys as Foxfield’s reputation and purses continue to grow. Snap Decision, named the 2024 Steeplechase Horse of the Year, ran in Race 6 during last year’s Foxfield Fall Races on Oct. 6.
Although thunder and lightning may prompt delays, races should continue once storms have passed and horses have safe surfaces for racing. If there’s a drizzle, “still come; just bring a rain jacket,” Fife said.
Pets, grills and open fires are not allowed. Tailgating also is prohibited in the general admission parking lot.
Jane Dunlap Sathe (434) 978-7249
jsathe@dailyprogress.com
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