It was a winning return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the High Hope Steeplechase after a year’s hiatus to make way for the WEG. The races benefited CKRH (Central Kentucky RIding For Hope) who were out collecting donations,
as well as the Secretariat Center, the Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and other local charities.
Races averaged about four to six jockeys and falls were common, although luckily not serious.
Spot the odd one out, below!
The bay of course!
There was plenty for the kids to do; the hobby horse races were a roaring success,
and the terriers were popular with both children and adults,
as was the parade of the Woodford Hounds.
The weather held out until shortly before the last race, the “Catch a Star” featuring Chris McCarron’s NARA jockeys. After waiting out the worst of the storm, the riders were allowed to run, but cautioned to go carefully due to the waterlogged and slippery ground, and there was one faller, although she was fine.
Lots of beautiful dogs in attendance
Riders up for the penultimate, the Timber Race, and their connections watching anxiously,
Meanwhile, these three go about their business blissfully unaware!
I think if I had one criticism it would be that it was hard to hear, and then find out who won which race, and I swear I don’t think that’s anything to do with the cocktails we were drinking!
By no means was ours anything like some of the elaborately decorated tailgates we saw – quite an education!
and never forget where you’re at, even I know that!
All in all, it was great fun. Lots of loose children, dogs and adults running amok, and even the odd horse but no harm no foul! I’ll be back at the Horse Park next weekend for MayDaze with a much more comprehensive report (ahem!) I thoroughly enjoyed my steeplechasing break, thank you High Hopes, thank you for reading, and Go Eventing!
This article is also posted on SamanthaLClark.com
