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Times Community Newspapers
Staff Writer .
The noise penetrates the very soul: a jackhammer thud of hooves reverberating on grassy turf beats out a rhythm of timeless sport. Steeplechasing takes horse racing back to its roots, back to the countryside from whence the question as to “whose horse is faster?” initially arose.
Those who have had the great fortune to sit on the back of a talented jumper know exactly the extent of liberation brought forth, and those who’ve only watched a steeplechase can’t help but be caught up in the sheer athleticism of horse and rider as they sweep past. No mere trifle of sport this; modern steeplechasing is a testing challenge, pushing courage and ability and physical endurance to the highest limits for human and equine competitor.
The top reaches of American steeplechasing include the “classic” events: for hurdlers, the $250,000 Breeders’ Cup stakes attracts attention mostly because of the money, while the Iroquois Steeplechase carries prestige and nearly 100 years of history along with its $100,000 purse. In timber racing, too, some races are oft-noted due to their purse structure while others ride a wave of name recognition due to their timeless challenge.
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