Annual March Steeplechase surpasses attendee’s expectations
The Aiken Steeplechase Association hosts the yearly Aiken Steeplechase event, which is a non-profit organization that hosts the event twice a year.
The March event is the Imperial Cup competition while the October event is the Holiday Cup competition.
According to the organization’s website, “The mission of the organization is to perpetuate the tradition of steeplechasing in Aiken and give back to the community through donations given to local charities.”
Favorite groups such as Budweiser, Walmart and Honda Cars of Aiken have sponsored the Aiken Steeplechase Organization.
The organization has made charitable contributions to the community, including aiding The Cumbee Center, Helping Hands Inc., Golden Harvest Food Bank and, the Child Advocacy Center for examples.
The March competition was held on Friday the 23rd. Held at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC, the venue was packed with women in summer outfits and men sporting overalls, polo’s and bowties.
Melvin Thompson, a regular attendee of Steeplechase, says that he and his friends look forward to the event each season. "We arrange to have our tent in the same area each time, and so would our other group of friends. We make a big event of the horseraces. We supply our tent with grilled food, drinks, snacks, and games. We bet on the horses too; it really is an anticipated time."
Catalina Flowers, another attendee, jumped for joy as the horse she bid on won its race. Indigo Heart (horse), a winner of the fifth race, was the cause for an uproar of admiration by the audience.
All in all, Aiken Steeplechase was a venue for fashion and country fun. A notorious social hot spot, locals and commuters spoke on their previous experience at the event, and their expectations met this one.
"I can't wait for October's Steeplechase. All of my friends travel back to Aiken, and it's always the best time," said Thomas Thompson of Aiken County.
The Aiken Standard reports that Aiken Steeplechase "has exceeded 30,000 in the past" since it's the biggest sporting event in Aiken County.
