The Virginia Gold Cup, held annually in Warrenton on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, is a state staple. But when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the region, the race’s 95th run was canceled. To adapt, the Virginia Gold Cup will now run virtually—for the first time ever—via a livestream on Saturday, June 27, at 12:30 p.m.
Only jockeys, trainers and essential personnel will be physically at the race, and the event will be free for all to watch online.
“We wanted to provide a venue for the steeplechase/racing industry to be able to get horses out and receive some financial support in the form of purse money,” explained Dr. William Allison, chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association, in a recent press release. “Jockeys and trainers have continued training their horses all spring without having anywhere to run them. This will provide a great opportunity.”
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in a 2018/2019 report, the horse industry brings more than $2 billion annually in economic development to the state of Virginia. “The viability of the horse industry is an important component for the commonwealth’s economy,” Allison said.
The Virginia Gold Cup is encouraging fans to watch the race here and virtually participate in the annual Hat and Tailgate Contests by celebrating at home with Virginia Gold Cup watch parties. Tailgate recipes and hat photos can be shared to the Gold Cup’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to enter the contest.
Learn more at vagoldcup.com.
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