Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 15 · column 3 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
By BETSY BRANSCOME
Timrs-Cvmmunity Newspapers Stuff Writer
The heart-pumping thrill of horses running at top speeds has always mesmerized people — from wild, wooly horses racing in fear of imminent danger on a primordial plain meadow, to sleek, sophisticated thoroughbred racehorses thundering around manicured courses for prizes and glory.
Yes, Virginia, the modern sport of steeplechasing is alive and well in the Commonwealth. Steeplechasing is a game that draws from the “fight or flight” instinct deep in the heart of the horses that race for fun, drawing also from the visceral competitiveness of those along for the ride*
No less than 18 sporting opportunities abound on the Virginia spring racing schedule. Twelve of the race meets, which take place on either Saturday or Sunday afternoons, sometimes both, from Feb. 25 through May 21, are classified as point-to-point races, or unsanctioned events. The other six race programs are National « Steeplechase Association-sanctioned races, typically benefits for area charities that oiler in excess of $1.8 million this spring season alone.
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