Scenes from the Morven Park Steeplechase Races

Experience all of the fun and excitement of that race day through photographs taken during this annual meet.

 

The Morven Park Steeplechase Races
2nd Saturday in October
October 9, 2004

Gates Open 11:00 a.m.
Post Time 1:30 p.m.

For many years Governor Westmoreland Davis raised and raced thoroughbreds at his historic Morven Park estate. Horse racing has been recorded to have been held at the estate since as early as 1818. It is fitting that in 1978 Dr. Joseph Rogers and Mr. Arthur McCashin designed and built a new race course at the same site as that earliest of recorded contests was held at this historic plantation.

Since its inception, the Morven Park Race Meet has continually made historical contributions to the sport, particularly in its pioneering the use of safety wings to protect both horse and rider and in the use of surface irrigation to reduce turf compaction.

In October of 1991, Morven Park made headlines again when it hosted the first sanctioned meet in Virginia to offer pari-mutuel wagering.

Each year, as a benefit to The Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, Inc., Morven Park hosts a fall race meet featuring races on the Flat, over Hurdles, and over Timber. In turn, the Foundation supports many local and national organizations including the University of Virginia, VMI Washington and Lee University, Virginia Tech, Columbia University, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Masters of Foxhounds of America, Museum of Hounds and Hunting, U.S. Combined Training Association, Regional Pony Club activities, and the Loudoun Historical Society. The Foundation also supports the maintenance and preservation of the estate and makes the facilities available to many non-profit organizations.

This annual event takes place on a lush 80 acre race course. It is designed not only as a safe course for both man and horse, but also as an ideal course for spectator viewing. Racing enthusiasts are sure to see all the action!

 

Also see the Central Entry Office Section
for more Steeplechase Information
 

Morven Park

The Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Post Office Box 6228
Leesburg, Virginia 20178-7433
(703) 777-2414
Fax: (703) 777-3282
Email: office@morvenpark.org