Colonial Downs, in collaboration with National Steeplechase Association, will host its first steeplechase-only race card in 13 years on Monday, June 29 — capping off opening week festivities. The day features a special first post of 10:45 AM and will be highlighted by the renamed Theodora A. Randolph Stakes which kicks off a new “Triple Tiara” jump series.
The novel three-leg series is comprised of Grade 2, $100,000 races for fillies & mares 4 years of age & up at the 2-1/4 miles distance. The second Tiara leg will be held on Thursday, July 23 (The Life’s Illusion Stakes) followed by the final leg on Thursday, September 3 (The Marion duPont Scott).
Colonial previously played host to the Strawberry Hill Races — a full card steeplechase program and tailgate party that went along with it — which often attracted close to 20,000 spectators each running from 2000 thru 2011. The annual event was considered by many to be Richmond, Virginia’s first rite of spring. Vehicle tailgating took place along the inside and outside rail of the track’s stone dust harness surface while jump racing action took place on the turf course.
In terms of the racing calendar, Strawberry Hill Races were held three weeks before the Virginia Gold Cup each year. Prior to its shift to the New Kent oval, the event was held at several other venues including the grounds of Richmond’s NASCAR track. In all, 79 editions of Strawberry Hill were contested.
“The move from Richmond Raceway to Colonial Downs was great, and a big improvement facility wise”, said Sue Mullins, former longtime Equine Activities Director for the Atlantic Rural Exposition which put on Strawberry Hill, in addition to the State Fair. “Colonial’s track and facilities were and still are first class. At the Raceway complex, we had the challenge of maintaining our steeplechase course for a one-day event. Spectator parking for NASCAR races actually took place right on our grass track surface. At Colonial, we made use of the fourth- floor sky suites, and the permanent infrastructure there was great. The big challenge was transferring spectator tailgating rail spaces from one venue to the other. Over the decades, that rail space at Strawberry Hill was like owning a piece of real estate. It was passed down to family heirs.”
There won’t be tailgating at Colonial Downs on June 29, but perhaps a new steeplechase tradition will be born.