Virginia Gold Cup Races

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Warrenton, VA
Virginia Gold Cup Races

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Join us for world-class steeplechase racing in 2026! Virginia Gold Cup - May 2
International Gold Cup - October 24

The Virginia Gold Cup has over the past century made steeplechasing one of the most prestigious sports in America. Former NSA President George Strawbridge calls the Gold Cup’s Great Meadow racecourse, “The crown jewel of American steeplechasing.” Nick Arundel said simply “what this generation and The Virginia Gold Cup is doing at Great Meadow is driven by harmony with its community, its traditions and its environment.”

10/26/2026

Official results from National Steeplechase Association on the 2026 International Gold Cup Races.

10/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the 89th Running of the International Gold Cup! 🏆 It was a memorable day at Great Meadow—filled with thrilling racing, spirited tailgates, stylish hats, lively contests, and the unmistakable energy that makes this one of Virginia’s most beloved autumn events.

We’re grateful to you, our guests, for carrying on this iconic tradition year after year. Your presence, enthusiasm, and support help keep the spirit of the International Gold Cup alive. We’re equally thankful to our sponsors and vendors, and to the dedicated team members who worked so hard behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to the owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, and everyone else whose tireless efforts bring this sport to life.

🎫 Do you or one of your guests have a betting ticket to redeem? https://vagoldcup.com/intl/news/2025-05-03/submitting-your-betting-ticket-instructions

We hope the day left you with wonderful memories, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year! 🫶

📸: Douglas Lees

10/24/2026

Gold Cup board members Alfred Griffin, Race Chairman, and Wayne Eastham, Treasurer, getting the party started last night at A Taste of Gold Cup! 🎉 🎶

10/24/2026

As the International Gold Cup is contested today at Great Meadow, we pause to remember Irv Naylor, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 91.

One of steeplechase’s most successful and enduring figures, Irv was a multiple-time National Steeplechase Association leading owner. His connection to the Virginia Gold Cup was especially deep: his five victories in the race — with Make Me A Champ (2002), Salmo (2007 and 2009), and Ebanour (2016 and 2017) — allowed him to retire the trophy, an achievement few owners in the history of the race have matched.

A former amateur rider whose career was cut short by a serious fall in 1999, Irv returned to the sport with remarkable determination and continued to support and elevate timber racing for the rest of his life. His horses and his presence were a regular part of both the Virginia Gold Cup and the International Gold Cup for many years.

Today, as the races continue, we honor a true champion of the sport. Our thoughts are with his family and with everyone in the steeplechase community who felt his influence.

Many thanks to Douglas Lees for these photos from the 2016 Virginia Gold Cup.

10/23/2026

Perfect tailgate weather score from The Weather Channel! ☀ 🕶 Doesn't get any better than that!

10/22/2026

🏇 The 89th Running of the International Gold Cup is shaping up to be epic — get ready for an unforgettable day of world-class steeplechase racing!

Swipe through for the full schedule and start planning your day. Tag and share this with everyone joining you on Saturday!

*Please note: This schedule is subject to change.

See you at Great Meadow! 🏆

📸: TJ Monaco

10/21/2026

With the Gold Cup just days away, please review these important race day guidelines and share them with everyone in your group. Thank you for helping keep the day fun and safe for all! 🙂

🚘 Parking
Every car needs a parking pass. Please note that General Admission tickets do not include parking — it must be purchased separately. Follow the directions on your pass to your assigned gate and have it printed in color and clearly visible as you approach. No parking is available outside the gates - State Police strictly enforce a towing policy.

🎟 Tickets & Entry
Everyone 13 and older needs a ticket. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Have your tickets printed and ready to scan at the checkpoint after the gate. Please have everything in hand to keep lines moving quickly!

🚫 Prohibited Items
▪️Pets
▪️Personal tents
▪️Balloons, flags, or banners
▪️Grills
▪️Patio / beach umbrellas
▪️Music players or generators
▪️Glassware (cups, containers, etc.)

🚮 Trash
Dispose of all trash properly. Our crew is happy to hand out extra bags — just ask! Once a bag is full, place it beside the trash box and they’ll take it away.

🩺 Medical
Need assistance? Get a security officer’s attention. Medical staff is on-site and ready to help quickly.

💲 Cash
Bring plenty of cash! Ice, race programs, and on-site wagering do not accept credit cards. **There will be an ATM located at the Spring House (near the Gate 1 entrance).

🌦 Weather
Races are held rain or shine — no refunds. Dress appropriately for the conditions!

🤝 Please treat our parking attendants, staff, and security with respect — they’re here to make sure you have a great day.

For Gold Cup FAQs: https://vagoldcup.com/intl/faqs

See you Saturday at Great Meadow! 🏆 🏇

10/21/2026

Congratulations to last week's trivia giveaway winner, Steph Herbert, who correctly guessed that Keys Discount has won 3 races at Great Meadow! We'll see you at the races, Steph! 🏇

This was our final trivia giveaway of the season — thank you to everyone who has played along over the past several weeks. We had a lot of fun coming up with the questions and reading all of your guesses! 🫶

📸: Keys Discount with Graham Watters aboard; TJ Monaco

10/21/2026

Come down near the paddock and meet Sam Robinson Fine Art!

Address

Warrenton, VA
20186

Website

http://www.vagoldcup.com/, http://pinterest.com/vagoldcup, https://www.instagram.com/virginiagoldcup/

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