The Springtime Tradition of Steeplechases, Tailgating and Tent Parties Returns with the 88th Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, May 19, in Malvern, PA.
As one of the nation’s top three steeplechases in the spring, the Radnor Hunt Races draw the best thoroughbred horses, riders and trainers across the country, along with nearly 25,000 spectators enjoying a day in the countryside. Tickets are now on sale to the public, with the proceeds benefiting the open space and clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy. BNY Mellon Wealth Management—which has been the lead sponsor for over 30 years—returns as the presenting sponsor of the races.
The Radnor Hunt Races is a celebrated Main Line tradition dating back to the 1930s. In addition to six thrilling jump races and the prestige of $190,000 in purse money, the day’s events include a spectacular antique carriage parade, the much-loved parade of foxhounds, plus tailgating competitions and hat contests. This year, spectators can purchase tickets to the new Fox’s Den, located trackside at the finish line.
“The Fox’s Den is the place to be this year,” said Kathy Freney Smith, Radnor Hunt Races coordinator. “Besides being the best seat in the house for viewing the races, guests can mingle with the owners, trainers and riders throughout the day.” Tickets to the Fox’s Den include gourmet catering, full beverage service, Finish Line view and access to the post-Race Preakness party.
Leading up to Race Day, four fun pre-race events are scheduled to help kick-off the festivities:
• Grooming Your Tailgate — March 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Join tailgate experts, a chef and a mixologist for an entertaining ‘how-to’ of tailgating at the Radnor Hunt Races. 13th Street Cocktail Catering and Tito’s will be on hand to create a signature cocktail for Race Day. $20 per person, includes light hors d'oeuvres & cash bar.
• Cocktails and Chapeaux — April 25, 6 to 8 p.m. Spend a few hours with friends and fellow race-goers creating a one-of-a-kind hat for Race day. Well-known area milliners will be there to help guests create the perfect chapeau sure to take the top prize. Hat not included—please bring a hat to embellish or adorn. Embellishments are included in the price. $25 per person, includes hat embellishments, light hors d’oeuvres & cash bar.
• Radnor Races Shopping Boutique — May 10, 2 to 9 p.m. Shop for all you’ll need to be "Race Day ready" with boutique shopping. $10 per person, includes light hors d’oeuvres & cash bar.
• Wildflower Bash — May 18; cocktails 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:30 p.m. Kick-off the races the night before with a festive dinner dance at Radnor Hunt.
More information about each event and tickets are available at www.radnorhuntraces.org.
The races take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 19; gates open at 10 a.m. There are six jump races throughout the day—starting at 1:30 p.m.—with about a half an hour between each race. The W. Burling Cocks Racecourse at Radnor Hunt is about a mile around, and the horses run clock-wise around the circuit for two or three laps, depending on the race. Admission is sold in advance only, through May 11. Admission starts at $100 per car (includes entry for all people in the vehicle). In addition to the tents, a wide variety of reserved parking spots and box seats are available. For details, visit www.radnorhuntraces.org or call 610.388.8383.
In addition to presenting sponsor BNY Mellon Wealth Management, other returning sponsors include The Bellevue—with over two decades of continued support—Alfa Romeo, Keystone Property and Skyway International. For information about sponsorship, please contact Kathy Freney Smith at 610.388.8315.
For 39 years, the Radnor Hunt Races has solely benefited the Brandywine Conservancy, whose work over the past 50 years has focused on protecting water and preserving the breathtaking landscapes, rich history and active farmland surrounding the Brandywine Creek. With the help of the races and many likeminded partners, the Conservancy has protected over 64,500 acres of open space— including the Radnor Hunt racecourse itself and surrounding lands—and continues to improve and safeguard water quality along the Brandywine in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
About the Brandywine Conservancy:
The Brandywine Conservancy protects water, conserves land, and engages communities. The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff work with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever, and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds 483 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of more than 64,500 acres of land. The Conservancy is a program of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art:
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites, and important artists. The Conservancy protects the lands throughout the Brandywine Valley, developing new conservation approaches and assuring access to majestic open spaces and dependable water supplies for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
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