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Becky Holland / Daily News
A maiden timber race over wooden fences got things started at the 25th annual steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. Of the six thoroughbreds in the race, these are the top four. Algezir, with jockey William Dowling in navy and pink stripes, owned by William G. Wofford, took first prize. Close behind were Diana Gillam on her own horse, Artist’s Stroke; Robert Walsh on Joseph F. Kornfeind’s Swimming River, and Bernard Dalton on Athene Noctura Stables’ Plum Brush.
A maiden timber race over wooden fences got things started at the 25th annual steeplechase at Callaway Gardens. Of the six thoroughbreds in the race, these are the top four. Algezir, with jockey William Dowling in navy and pink stripes, owned by William G. Wofford, took first prize. Close behind were Diana Gillam on her own horse, Artist’s Stroke; Robert Walsh on Joseph F. Kornfeind’s Swimming River, and Bernard Dalton on Athene Noctura Stables’ Plum Brush.
Standing at the infield fence in the middle of the afternoon, gardens spokeswoman Rachel M. Crumbley compared the event to a “tailgate party with all the trimmings, and you get to see a sporting event in the process.”
Looking around her at the talking, laughing and socializing of those in attendance, Crumbley said, “November for me wouldn’t be the same without the Steeplechase, and seeing all of these people.”
For 25 years, Callaway Gardens has been the host of the Steeplechase - a competitive sporting event in which participants watch thoroughbred racing horses show their stuff through a number of National Steeplechase Association sanctioned races. Included is the annual Aflac Championship Supreme Hurdle with a purse of $75,000, and the Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony Race, with a purse of $200.
Saturday’s event also included the annual Jack Russell terrier races, artist viewing at the Wachovia Race arcade, Galloping Gourmets’ cook-off, the best box competition and the tailgate competition.
The event benefits arts organizations in West Georgia.
The Ellis family has been traveling from LaGrange to attend the event every year for at least “five or six years,” said Catherine Ellis, who attended with her parents, Judy and Bob; brother Will and his wife, Elizabeth; and her sister, Elizabeth.
“It is a time for family. We all put this on our calendars every year and make sure our calendars stay clear so we can come as a family to enjoy the day,” she said.
Judy Ellis said, “For us, this is the rare chance for all of us to be together in the same place at the same time, and we have a chance to watch the races. … We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Like many, the Ellises pack a meal for tailgating.
Catherine Ellis said of her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ellis, “Usually, for us, it is a chance for her to showcase her cooking - she is a magnificent cook and always comes up with great treats.”
The weather and benefiting the arts were favorites of Edward Smith of LaGrange.
“I believe what I enjoy most about the day is the camaraderie of all the people, and of course, it is all for a wonderful cause,” he said.
“We like to bring friends, and business associates, with us from LaGrange to enjoy the day … It is a chance to celebrate the season.”
All proceeds from the annual Steeplechase benefits the Columbus Museum, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Historic Columbus Foundation, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, the Springer Opera House, and the Auburn Veterinary College of Medicine. The total amount raised from this year’s race was not available this morning, though last year’s amount exceeded $130,000.
Becky Holland can be reached at bholland@ lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 229.
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