Frequently Asked Questions

Steeplechase races were begun in the late 1700’s in Ireland as a horse race across country to the best landmark, usually the steeple of a church. They were run over natural terrain with obstacles that had to be jumped. As steeplechasing became more standardized courses were constructed to mimic natural terrain and obstacles were constructed to imitate those found in the country. Now the National Steeplechase Association oversees 28 Steeplechase Race meets in nine states as well as jump racing at sanctioned flat tracks over the summer season.

No, steeplechase horses must be Thoroughbreds, registered with the Jockey Club. They must be at least 3 years old and pass numerous health and soundness checks before they are allowed to race.

Steeplechase jockeys are a unique group. They are typically larger than their fellow flat race jockeys as they are allowed to carry more weight. They are licensed with the National Steeplechase Association once they have shown their ability and knowledge of the rules of racing. Many jockeys in this country come from England or Ireland where steeplechasing is far more prevalent. There is a very small pool of steeplechase jockeys in this country so one jockey usually has several rides at any meet.

Every car needs a parking pass, and every person needs a General Admission Badge, except children 12 and under. There are several levels of parking. Infield Parking allows you to park in the infield of the steeplechase track parking area, no reserved space. General Parking is outside the track and a distance away, count on a walk of up to a quarter mile.

Yes, tailgating is encouraged and celebrated! We want everyone to have a good time and alcoholic beverages are allowed but keep in mind this is a family event and temperance is expected of all guests. Inappropriate behavior can result in expulsion.

If you have a reserved space, you can erect a small tent, no larger than 10 x10’ behind your car parked at the rail. If law enforcement determines that the weather warrants or you block the Stewards’ view, you must remove it. You can have grills with propane tanks the size of a thermos, NO open fires are allowed. No loud music at any time so as not to interfere with the PA system. Glass drinking glasses are prohibited, please use plastic or paper. Please bag your trash and take it with you. Flags and balloons are not allowed.

Yes, you can purchase food from the food trucks and vendors on site.

Yes, lots! The first activity of the day is the Jack Russell Terrier Races which start at 10:15. These are followed by the Stick Horse Races for the kids. There is shopping in our Montpelier Market and a tailgating contest. After the Second race we hold a Hat Contest with many categories and terrific prizes. Tours of the Madison Mansion are available at an additional cost.

The Races run rain or shine, so be prepared! Sturdy shoes, waterproof with low heels are good for dewy mornings. We suggest you layer because November Mornings can be cool but by afternoon it can be quite warm. Hats for the ladies are welcome! A timeless tweedy country look is always appropriate. If you are visiting the tents in Corporate Row you will find gentlemen in jackets and ties, ladies in corresponding dress, slacks or skirts with boots. Other areas sport country casual looks; collared shirts, sweaters, comfortable slacks or skirts.

Yes, portable restrooms are located around the property. Those that are handicapped accessible are marked with a high flying pennant for visibility.

All the information you need on the races is in the program. They are for sale around the grounds and from hawkers, $2 each and $3 for 5. The Races are broadcast over a radio frequency to augment the PA system, that number is in the Program. The Races are also live streamed through the National Steeplechase website, www.nationalsteeplechase.com

If you need first aid assistance there is help available in the Infield close to the Food Vendors. There are also many EMS personnel on the grounds and anyone with a radio can assist you to find them.

We run rain or shine, understandable for a sport that started in Ireland and England! There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! Dress suitably, bring an umbrella and prepare to have fun!

Just come to the finish line of the Racecourse after the second race, there is no entry fee. Categories will be listed there and include, Best Racing Theme, Best Fascinator, Most Original, Best Group Entry, Best Child Entry, Most Elegant and Best Gentleman.

The Tailgate contest requires pre-registration by calling the office at 540-672-0014 and letting us know your space number but there is no entry fee. Sadly, we have to limit the number of entries or our judges could not make it to every space so call early.

There is an entry table in front of the Montpelier Store Tent where you can enter the races, participants need a number, and stick horses are for sale. You can also bring your stick horse from home. The Great Equestrian 4-H club organizes the races.

Yes, logo merchandise and souvenirs, including posters showing this year’s commissioned painting, are available at the Montpelier Store Tent in the Montpelier Market.

Reserved parking is a designated parking space for you, it comes with a parking pass and four General Admission Tickets, so four people can attend. There are three levels of parking: Railside Patron, Second Tier Member and Third Tier Subscriber. They are tiered per the viewing, the second and third tier are farther from the rail.

Don’t! If you forget your tickets you will have to pay at the gate.

Yes, handicapped parking is available along the finish line run-out and Center Road. It is first come first served and requires state issued handicapped plates or hang tag. Handicapped parking passes are available through the office or online and at some ticket outlets.

Montpelier Races has a program that allows you the right of first refusal each year on a reserved parking space, we call it “endowing” a space. The cost is $1,000, this pays for the space the first year and $900 is tax deductible. After the first year the cost is the going rate. We will contact you early in the summer each year and ask if you are using your space. If you cannot use the space, you release it for one year’s sale, but retain the right of first refusal. This endowment is good for your lifetime.

NO, you must have tickets and parking passes provided by us to enter, therefore planning ahead is a good idea to allow time for mailing. Two weeks before the races we stop mailing tickets as the chance of their timely arrival at your address is iffy. BUT, you can still get tickets at one of our many ticket outlets listed on our website up until Race Day morning. You will avoid the increased Race Day cost by purchasing at the Outlets.

There is no parimutuel wagering at the Montpelier Races, but friendly pools and wagers are common.

Yes, but the cost goes up on Race Day. Prices are listed on the website ticket page.