Fairfax Hunt Fall Races

Fairfax Hunt Fall Races

Virginia steeplechase racing starts off this fall Saturday, September 24, with the 26th annual Fairfax Hunt Fall Races at Belmont Plantation near Leesburg.

The program at Fairfax begins at noon with junior and pony races and some flat racing. The major events start at 2 p.m. with two non-sanctioned races (not recognized by the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, the governing body for steeplechasing in this country). There will be six races in all, three over brush hurdles, two on the flat and one over timber fences.

"We have several sponsors for our racing this year, which has really helped our program," said Randy Rouse, chairman of the meet.

"The United Virginia Bank is sponsoring a race (the third race

By Clive Camie Arundel Newspapers Staff Writer

with $2,500 added for maidens three years old and upwards), H.B.L. Imports is sponsoring a race similar to the Virginia Bank race, and our feature race, the Bowman Bowl, a three-mile timber race for four-year-olds and upward, now has a $5,000 added purse with sponsorship from the Touche Ross Accounting Company."

General admission to the Fairfax course is $5, and spectators are encouraged to watch from the infield.

"This is the best viewpoint for the whole cou rse," said—Den Himpz, promotion officer for the races. "You can see every part of the course unimpeded from the infield." As an added attraction barbecue and drinks will be sold there by Sam Legard.

Subscriptions are still available and will be available on race day too. On-rail subscriptions are $60; off-rail $25. Information on subscriptions is available by calling 703-777-3805.

To get to the Fairfax course take Route 7 from Leesburg towards the Beltway. Belmont Plantation is across from the Xerox training center on the right about four miles from Leesburg. For further information call 703-759-2651.