Lauren R. Giannini photo
In a reversal of fortune for the sport of jump racing, the Rappahannock Point-to-Point Races are once again back on the race schedule after a twelve-year absence with a brand new racecourse. Good news for race enthusiasts!
The revived Rappahannock hunt races, last run in 2008, are scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2020, over a brand new steeplechase course at Larry Levy’s Hill Farm, Route 522 North, just outside Culpeper, Virginia. What follows is a ”welcome-back” for Rappahannock’s return—Virginia’s season opener—as well as a kickoff to the upcoming hunt race season for all race goers. If you’re a hunt race official at your hunt, you might even find some new ideas from Rappahannock’s creative fee plans.
What to wear? Enthusiasts in the month of March are wise to be prepared for extremes in weather, so stay updated with the forecasts and remember that layering is the best tactic for a day’s comfort. Country casual covers a wide variety of fashion options, and rural styles bring sophisticated practicality to your sartorial splendor. Waterproof and warm outer layers with lighter weight layers underneath give you multiple options on which layer to wear and which to remove as the day progresses. Pack along extra socks and wear waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and warm in puddles, mud, and snow. Don’t forget to toss gloves, scarves, and neck-warmers in the vehicle. Hats are more than a fashion statement; wearing one prevents the loss of fifty percent of your body heat, and, for men, fifty percent heat loss assumes you still have hair on your head. It can only go up from there!
Clothing items forgotten or left at home may well be found for your comfort in Rappahannock Hunt’s tent shop and other shops on the circuit. And who doesn’t need or want a new piece of clothing as a souvenir of the day? On March 7, check out the sporting selection of apparel with Rappahannock’s distinctive running fox logo.
Food and Drink: Your tailgate picnic, fancy or casual, is up to you. If you reserve a tailgate parking space, it’s easy to put on the Ritz or keep it simple. If you’re a guest at someone’s tailgate, it’s nice to offer to bring something. But if the host declines your offer, just go and have a good time. Hosting? Keep a list of who and what—bouillon, coffee, wings, ribs, fried chicken, salads, deviled eggs, ham biscuits, brownies—everyone has a favorite dish to share. If you bring adult beverages, please remember to designate a driver so that your fun day at the races doesn’t end with flashing lights.
Rappahannock Hunt’s creative parking plans offer numerous ways to custom-tailor every visitor’s preference for enjoying his or her day:
General Admission is $7.00 per head, or choose the discounted book-of-ten General Admission tickets for $50.00. Both options come with free parking and a short walk to the course. Food trucks and vendors will be on site if you don’t feel like toting your own picnic baskets and coolers.
Patron Parking and Railside Parking, both at $125.00, puts your party of four in a pre-assigned parking place.
Side-by-Side Parking at $225.00 reserves two adjacent parking spaces and four occupants per vehicle before buying General Admission tickets for additional guests.
Tent Parking, is available at $175.00 for one vehicle with four occupants, but you must provide your own tent (maximum size, 10 x 10). Purchase General Admission tickets for additional guests at the single-ticket price of $7.00 per person or the discount book for ten guests at $50.00.
General Admission tickets will be sold at the gate on the day of the races.
As in all horse racing, no dogs are allowed for safety reasons.
The Hill Farm, 13257 Durantes Curve (Rt. 522) in Boston, VA 22713, is extremely well named, offering sensational views of the race course and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Driving through The Hill to the new course is like going back in time: all natural countryside and distant mountains that span the horizon like slumbering dragons.
Post time is 1:00 p.m. for the timber and flat races on Rappahannock’s card. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. You don’t have to know horses to enjoy an exciting day of racing over fences amidst breathtaking views and spacious skies.
Click here for more information on Rappahannock’s season-opener; click here for the 2020 schedule of all races in Virginia, Maryland and the Delaware Valley.
Posted February 24, 2020