Mix, mingle, buy, sell, learn at the second annual Go Jump Racing Steeplechase Symposium & Sale this Sunday, April 10 at Great Meadow Racecourse in The Plains, Va.
Learn about the game, watch horses school, buy a prospect, join a successful steeplechase syndicate, see old friends…just come out and enjoy a day in the country. The dozen (and counting) horses for sale, all either current steeplechasers or chosen for their potential as such, are part of an initiative designed to spur interest and affect the equine inventory in American jump racing.
Sunday’s event is a great opportunity to learn about becoming a steeplechase horse owner.
Horses are offered in two formats – outright sale (by live auction) or shares available (with connections on hand to discuss terms). In all cases, horses will be on hand for inspection with most scheduled to train and/or school over fences in the morning. Five percent of the sales price goes to the National Steeplechase Foundation to promote the sport with events like this one and other ventures.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Horses will gallop, school and parade from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch and a panel discussion geared toward newcomers happens from noon to 2 p.m. The symposium, moderated by Joe Clancy from thisishorseracing.com, will include Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, steeplechase trainers Richard Valentine and Kate Dalton, steeplechase owner Meriwether Morris and veterinarian Dr. Reynolds Cowles. The sale starts at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public with lunch available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to register (free) and bidders are required to register and can do so on location or online.