Tickets Are Now on Sale for the 101st Running of the Virginia Gold Cup

The region’s largest and oldest steeplechase event returns on May 2 with quality racing, parimutuel wagering, tailgate and hat contests, corporate networking, and more.

THE PLAINS, VA — The region’s oldest and largest steeplechase race event, the Virginia Gold Cup, returns on Saturday, May 2, for its 101st running. The event will be held at Great Meadow (5089 Old Tavern Road) in The Plains, Virginia. Long known as one of the largest and oldest steeplechase events in the D.C. region and the nation, the event brings together the best of Virginia horse country. Talented horses and top jockeys and trainers will vie to win eight exciting races during the day, while spectators gather at lavish tailgates and tented parties. The event draws top corporations, organizations, and companies in the region as corporate sponsors entertain their top customers, employees, and prospects.

“This year’s event is promising to be one of the best ever,” Virginia Gold Cup Co-chair Al Griffin said. “We expect to have many of the top steeplechase horses along with large numbers of spectators. The event not only provides top luxury entertainment for the crowds of spectators, but it also helps to fund the extensive horse industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Many jockeys and trainers work with their horses all year to be able to compete in the Virginia Gold Cup.”

Steeplechase offers a fast-action sport in a refined social setting and, at the Gold Cup, some of the best horses and jockeys compete over hurdles and timber fences. Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Virginia Gold Cup enjoys a spectacular setting in the heart of Virginia’s horse country with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop. It is Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby.

More than 30,000 people come out in their race-day finest to socialize and entertain at the races, one of the region’s largest and oldest outdoor events. The fashion at the event has become popular as well, with a variety of hats and a fiercely competitive hat contest. Celebrity judges will decide whose hats are the most impressive in the day’s hat contest. There is also an equally competitive tailgate contest with prizes for the top three winners.

The Gold Cup’s long-standing tradition, characterized by lavish tailgate spreads, sleek Thoroughbreds, and exciting hoof-pounding competition, beckons to national celebrities, local VIPs, and D.C. politicians, as well as visitors from around the world. Many companies have capitalized on what the day has to offer by getting involved with sponsorships, purchasing tents to entertain and network.

Gates open for the Virginia Gold Cup at 10 a.m., with the National Anthem and color guard pre-race at 12:30 p.m. The tailgate contest judging begins at 12:45 p.m. and the first of eight horse races will be underway at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available at vagoldcup.com. Tailgate packages, boxes, and Members Hill entertaining tents are also available. And there’s a special 1922 VIP Club that’s all-inclusive with railside views, food and drink, and a DJ.

Great Meadow is located just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C., and 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport. To get there from Washington, D.C., take I-66 west to The Plains exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto The Plains Road (Route 245 South) and follow signs to Great Meadow, which will be on your left. Call (540) 347-2612 for additional information or visit the website at vagoldcup.com.

The 2026 Virginia Gold Cup is presented by Virginia Equine Alliance; Brown Advisory; Blue Ridge Property Services, LLC; Virginia Thoroughbred Association; SiteWhirks; Aaron’s Towing; Virginia is for Lovers; Rappahannock Cellars; and Brown Forman.

Photo by T.J. Monaco.

Posted on: January 30, 2026