The Montpelier Hunt Races are tied to Virginia’s Rich History
We are very proud of the History surrounding the Montpelier property, all the different stories and timelines that are represented here. The first residents, the Madison Family, built the original home and began farming the land. James Madison and his wife Dolley, enlarged the family dwelling when he retired from the Presidency, as befitted a former President. They welcomed many visitors including Lafayette. After Madison’s death Dolley sold the estate and it passed to several different owners, escaping destruction during the Civil War.
In the early 1900’s when William DuPont was searching for a home for his young family he looked at many properties in Virginia, and settled on Montpelier for its potential as an equestrian property. Soon barns and ponies were added. Much of the farm work was done with horses and an annual horse show was held on the grounds. When William died in 1928, he left the property to his daughter Marion, a rider herself who had recently become enamored with horse racing. She immediately began transforming it into a Thoroughbred breeding and training facility, with great success.
Marion and her brother William designed and built the steeplechase course and the flat training track. In the early 1930’s they started a horse race around the property which evolved into a true steeplechase race by 1934 , the Montpelier Hunt Races. For the Races, Marion opened the property to the public and it quickly became a not-to-be missed event in Orange County. Marion’s former husband, actor Randolph Scott, made an appearance at an early race meet, and she entertained the morning of the Races with a traditional oyster stew. After her death, in 1983, there was some concern that the Races would continue, but a generous family member stepped in to support the tradition as the property transitioned to a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. Eventually, admission would be charged to pay for all the expenses of the Races, including purses. Held the first Saturday in November, it is now so popular that Orange County residents say, “in Orange you might miss Christmas, but you don’t miss the Races”!
