Middleburg Spring Races Recap

Written by Kaitlin Hill

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, a crowd of observers and a collection of competitors, both horse and human, gathered at Glenwood Park for the oldest steeplechase in Virginia: the Middleburg Spring Races. Donning elaborate hats and circling around impressive tailgates, onlookers were treated to mild weather but intense competition. 

“We definitely had one of the largest crowds we’ve ever had,” Doug Fout, president of the Middleburg Spring Races Association, says. “The people just kept pouring in. I’ve never seen so many cars.” 

Of the conditions, he shares, “The thing I was worried about the most was the temperature. But the clouds saved us, and we had a nice breeze, too.” He continues, “We were at 110 compaction, which is good to firm, and we had plenty of turf on it.” He credits Brian Pope with the course’s upkeep, saying, “He takes pride in what he does.” 

The racing was clean until a fall during the Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle. “We got the jockey medevaced out and he ended up being fine. Fractured cheekbone, a little fracture in the wrist, and a broken nose. It is one of those things that can happen.” 

He continues, “Other than that, the racing was amazing.” The horse to watch was Snap Decision. Owned by Bruton Street-US, trained by Jack Fisher, and ridden by Graham Watters, Snap Decision won the G2 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes for the fourth time in a row. “Graham won the timber race too, before that. It made for a delightful day.” Fout adds, “That race was exceptional.” 

Also of note, Fout mentions the second race of the day, the Warrior-Canine Allowance Hurdle. “The reason we started that [race] is to make people realize how important these canines are for wounded warriors,” he explains. This year, John Bobrowiecki, a U.S. Marine captain who served in heavy artillery in Afghanistan, attended the races alongside Fout and his wife. “He gave a speech after the races… It was so special.” 

While reflecting on the April 19 event, Fout’s final shoutout is to the Virginia Equine Alliance. He shares, “We’ve been very fortunate. The VEA has stepped up for all the Virginia race meets in the last three years, and they give money for infrastructure and for purses. They have made a big difference for all of us to keep our purse structure up, to have money to make it better for the riders, owners, and trainers, and to put on a beautiful show. They have been key … in keeping steeplechase in Virginia alive.” 

Fout, who took over the Middleburg Spring Races after his father passed, says “he would have been tickled” by the turnout of the 2025 races. 

Looking ahead to the fall races and further in the future, he concludes, “It’s a boutique meet, it’s picturesque, and it’s very special. The biggest thing is that everybody comes and enjoys it — everyone can walk around, have picnic parking, tailgate parking — and no matter where you sit or stand, you can see every part of the race. That’s what my dad always wanted, and that’s the way I’ll keep it.” ML

Featured photo: Court Ruler in the lead with Jamie Bargary up in the 20k Alfred M. Hunt Steeplethon. Photo by Camden Littleton.

Published in the May 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.