GOLD

GOLD from page 3 the best of the best Follow along as we take a look back at vital dates from years past. Indeed, take a look at Jennifer Burke’s insightful piece that stitches Gold Cups past with a ghostly future. Our Rail Chatter columnist entertains with a report on the best of the best on the Kentucky Derby trail. Don’t forget — the Gold Cup isn t the only show on the first Saturday in May. Study our analysis of some of the local chances to keep the Fauquier County — last year, Middleburg s Kinross Farm claimed top honors with a sterling performance by Miles Ahead. The gelding looks on track for a repeat performance. Could it be another multi-race run, reminiscent of Virginia-bred Saluter’s reign in the mid-1990sP Read on and judge for yourself. Also included in this special section are the usual suspects: how to find tickets, features on the special performances, a map ot the action, a minute-by-minute schedule and more. Close with a bit of humor — and remember, get your tickets early for what might be a history-making or -breaking performance by local connections. ast facts: Purse money is substantial in many National Steeplechase Association races throughout the season.The owner of the winning horse gets 60 percent of the total purse, and prizes pay back to fifth place. In bigger, richer stakes races, the winning owner gets 50 percent of the purse, with payment back to sixth place.