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As word ol the steeplechase spectacle spread, and commercial sponsors jumped on the fast-moving bandwagon, the sport did not lose its attraction. Still, horses and horsemen became ever more professional about the jumps game as stakes rose to dizzying heights, with regularly carded $100,000 hurdle handicaps and $50,000 timber classics.
Though jump racing hasn’t lost its identity to the name of big business — like many feel that pari-mutuel betting has made flat racing, forcing more of an assembly-line product rather than a sporting spectacle — the level of professionalism in jump racing has risen to the point that amateur riders are often relegated to being competitive at the unsanctioned point-to-points.
Virginia’s strong steeplechasing heritage supports and encourages amateur competition through a 12week spring point-to-point season, replete with international caliber courses, brimming crowds, professional officiating, conditioned series events and enthusiastic participation. Thirteen hunt clubs located in the Commonwealth will sponsor races this year, all of which will offer divisions that cater to the ownerrider, the amateur enthusiast and at once offering lowintensity prep races for horses and riders shooting for the rich National Steeplechase Association-sanctioned racing later in the season. * '
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