The 52nd annual Atlanta Steeplechase event took place over the weekend at Kingston Downs on the Etowah River. This event, held every spring, is not only a blast to attend but also benefits the charity Bert’s Big Adventure. Bert’s Big Adventure’s is dedicated to send kids with chronic and terminal illnesses on one-of-a-kind trips to Walt Disney World.
Following horseracing traditions, spectators arrived to the Steeplechase dressed to the nines in what looked like a scene out of The Great Gatsby. Men came decked out in checkered and pastel-colored suits while the women were all about the hats. It wasn’t uncommon to see women with hats that rose a foot above their heads filled with decorations from shrubbery to plastic horses. Atlanta Steeplechase even held a contest to see who came with the most outrageous hat, which had well over 20 participants. The 1950’s era music blaring over the speakers throughout the day capped off the antebellum vibe the Atlanta steeplechase was going for.
There was something for everyone at the event, even for kids and college students. Kids were invited to check out the onsite petting zoo or if they were feeling brave – take a ride on one of the camels or ponies at the track! College students could enjoy themselves in the infield where they had their own tailgating area to spend the day and watch the horseraces.
Four races were on the schedule for the day: The Enghouse Transportation Maiden Hurdle, The Cartersville-Bartow Convention & Visitors Bureau Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle, The Synovus Georgia Cup, and The Bert’s Big Adventure Training Flat. Perfect temperatures and pristine track conditions made for a great day of races. The Winners were With Rhythm, Admiring Glance, Martini Brother, and Divined respectively with a portion of each purse going towards Bert’s Big Adventure.
The Atlanta Steeplechase has come and gone for 2017, but proved to be a can’t miss event for years to come. Whether, you’re a steeplechase fan or not, there is something for you to enjoy and make a day out of, all while supporting a good cause.
