Lexington, KY, May 13, 2011 – After a one year hiatus to make room for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, High Hope Steeplechase Day – a Lexington area fan favorite for 44 years – returns to its home at the Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
High Hope Steeplechase is now Lexington horse lovers’ only chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of live Steeplechase racing combined with lots of family fun and entertainment, all in a country fair setting.
As an added special feature on High Hope Day will be the third running of the “Catch a Riding Star” race featuring student-jockeys currently enrolled in the North American Racing Academy.
Launched in 2006 by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System under the guidance of Hall of Fame and two-time Kentucky Winning jockey Chris McCarron, NARA is now part of Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
NARA Graduates have gone on to win more than 750 races and have purse earnings of more than $10 million.
McCarron will be on hand to help draw mounts for this year’s “Catch a Riding Star” riders next Thursday, May 19, in conjunction with the Thursday Night Live festival at the Fifth-Third Bank Pavilion in downtown Lexington (http://www.downtownlex.com/thursday-night-live-concerts).
High Hope staff will also be on hand to sell tickets for High Hope day.
Participating on High Hope day will be Lexington’s own Ken Ramsey, the nationally known owner and breeder of multiple stakes winners and 2009 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Furthest Land. Mr. Ramsey also owns the 2010 Eclipse Award winning Steeplechaser Slip Away and is a long-time supporter of High Hope Steeplechase.
Proceeds from High Hope Steeplechase day will benefit Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and, this year, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. To date, High Hope Steeplechase has helped raise over $1.5 million for worthy causes.
In addition to four top-tier jump races worth a total of $70,000 in purses, High Hope Steeplechase Day will also features great fun for the entire family, including:
* Kids’ Playground and Activities – including the annual kids’ Stick Horse Derby, face painting, clowns and much more
* Terrier Races
* Equine Demonstrations
* Tailgating
* Great Food and Arts and Craft booths
Tickets Information:
Track Side Parking ($25)
Park on the top side of the steeplechase course beside the rail. Includes admission for everyone in the car and a program. Tailgating invited.
Box ($125)
A box for 8 people overlooking the finish to High Hope. Includes table and 8 chairs, admission and parking.
Member’s Pavilion ($75 single $125 couple)
Buffet lunch, drinks & admission
Preferred Tailgating ($225-250)
Corporate Tent ($2000)
20′ x 20′ tent close to the finish line of High Hope – includes two 8′ tables and 40 chairs. Admission for 40 people and preferred parking. Great way to entertain friends and clients.
For tickets, information or to volunteer please contact the High Hope Steeplechase office at (859) 967-9444; email at highhopesteeplechase@msn.com or visit us online at www.highhopesteeplechase.com.
Jessica Oldham Stith
High Hope Steeplechase
859-967-9444
www.highhopesteeplechase.com