1. The Virginia Gold Cup
City: Warrenton, VA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (540) 347-1215
Address: 90 Main Street
Description: Usually held the same day as the Kentucky Derby, this premier steeplechase of Virginia and the international community has blossomed into one of the largest sporting and social events in Metro Washington. Held at Great Meadow, riders compete for a $50,000 purse, which, if they win the Gold Cup’s counterpart in England, nets them another £30,000. Great Meadow is in the heart of the state’s gorgeous hunt country, about an hour west of Washington in Fauquier County. Admission fee applies. The International Gold Cup takes place at Great Meadow on the third Saturday in October.
2. The Virginia Gold Cup Races And The International Gold Cup Races
City: Warrenton, VA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (540) 347-1215
Address: 90 Main Street
Description: Virginia’s premier steeplechase events take place at Great Meadow Event Center in the Plains, 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Hobnob with the area’s rich and famous at the Virginia Gold Cup Races, held the first Saturday in May, and at the International Gold Cup Races, held the third Saturday in October. Races run from 1 to 5 p.m., preceded by special events such as Jack Russell terrier races. Admission fee applies.