Last Updated on 01/10/21 by quiltripping
Horse drawn carriages driven by men wearing top hats; women wearing big floppy hats; antique cars; horses and hounds – it could be a set on Downton Abbey. But it’s the present day at Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington, Delaware. It’s the first Sunday in May and it’s the annual Point to Point horse racing event which is the big annual fundraiser for the museum. Unlike the flat horse racing at the Kentucky Derby, which is also on the first Sunday of May, this steeplechase combines both horse racing and jumping over barriers.
Point to Point Horse Racing is an Annual Winterthur Tradition
Fancy hats, a tailgating competition that brings out the linens, crystal and champagne, and a parade and exhibit of antique Rolls Royce and Bentley cars are all part of the pre-race entertainment.
If you forgot your hat, you could buy one at the on site Marketplace – his and hers.
Tailgating in style with the beautiful antique cars is one of the day’s highlights.
The racing events were kicked off by a parade of horse and hounds and then antique horse carriages.
At 2 o’clock, the firsts of the four steeplechase races begin as the horses race around a skewed 3 1/4 mile figure eight track two times, giving spectators plenty of opportunity to cheer on their pick for a winner as they zoom past.
Despite a cold and sometimes rainy day, a good time was had by all.
The Winterthur Point-to-Point race is the first of three annual steeplechase races in the area, all benefiting local organizations. The second Sunday in May is the Willowdale steeplechase in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and the third weekend in May sees the Radnor Hunt races in Radnor, PA.
Early May is also the best time to catch the azalea woods in full bloom at Winterthur, one of my favorite times of year in these gardens.
For up to date information on the Winterthur Point-to -Point races please visit http://www.winterthur.org/ptp
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
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