In 1930, several influential horsemen including Thomas Hitchcock, Temple Gwathmey, and Harry Worchester Smith, founded the Aiken Steeplechase Association. The very first official race was run in Hitchcock woods along the Aiken Hounds draglines and had over one thousand guests in attendance. Among these guests, some who came towns across the state like Camden, were several hundred students from Aiken Prep and Fermata School.
To learn more about the history of the Aiken Steeplechase and the Aiken Steeplechase Association, visit their website here: http://www.aikensteeplechase.com/
Photo by the Aiken Steeplechase Association.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Aiken Steeplechase Association continues to this day to host two steeplechase racing events each year that are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association each year. The Imperial Cup is held in the spring and in the fall, the Holiday Cup.
This year’s 27th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase, the Holiday Cup, will be held at the end of the month on Saturday, October 27 with festivities beginning at 9am that morning when the gates open. The event includes a variety of activities that the entire family can enjoy—a Village of Shops featuring local and out of town vendors that sell art, jewelry, clothing, and equestrian related items; a Paddock Playground for children with games, crafts, and other fun activities; Stick Horse Races with categories from 4 & under to teens and adults; and a Hat and Costume Contest.
The main events—the races—begin promptly at 1pm with the first race, followed by the traditional Carriage Parade at 1:15pm. Three more races follow before the fifth and final race at 3:30pm.
How are you preparing to attend The Holiday Cup this year? At The Willcox, we offer several ways to help you prepare for the big weekend.
Book an appointment in our full-service Salon & Spa to help you relax and pamper for any and all Steeplechase events that you plan to attend. Look your best at Steeplechase this year by preparing your skin with a facial, getting your nails done, or by having your hair and make-up done the day of. To book your appointment, please call us at 803-648-1898. We suggest calling early—our appointment times will book quickly!
Be the hit of your tailgate party (and ensure an invitation back to next year’s tailgate!) by bringing one our Steeplechase Tailgating favorites:
- Chicken Liver Pate
- White Bean Hummus with Olive Tapenade & Grilled Pita Bread
- General Tso’s Caulini with Peanuts, Scallions, & Cilantro
- You can call or visit the Restaurant to order your tailgate dish. Bring a plate of your own for us to prepare the food on for you, or use one of our sustainable take-away containers.
We are excited for the 27th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase, and we hope to see you there on October 28th!
