One of Aiken's most popular traditions had horses moving at top speed and vehicular traffic rolling at a pedestrian pace March 23, with the Aiken Steeplechase drawing dozens of racers and thousands of spectators for an afternoon of tailgating and racing.
The gathering was "probably a record crowd, and it was very well organized," in the words of spectator Ed Woltz. "Everybody seemed to be having a great time. The new venue seems to be working quite well for them."
Susie Kneece, also a spectator, made similar comments. "I think it was super successful and the weather held out," she said, acknowledging the threat of continued rain from earlier in the day.
Racing conditions, instead, included temperatures in the high 60s, with mostly cloudy skies and the occasional breeze, and the two- and four-legged crowd navigated around pockets of mud and straw in getting from place to place.
Access to the race acreage, in keeping with tradition, was with the help of Aiken Department of Public Safety, South Carolina Highway Patrol and Aiken County Sheriff's Office, with vehicles strategically placed and blue lights activated to encourage drivers to be mindful of the massive gathering.
"We had a lot of fun," said George Grinton, who was part of a group of spectators who saw at least a couple of jockeys being suddenly unseated.
"There were two horses that lost their riders that they had to ... catch again. Actually, I think it might have been three," Grinton said, noting that the afternoon also included some strong wind gusts that resulted in party tents losing their moorings.
Another spectator also acknowledged seeing horses that "finished first, without the riders, and continued for a few laps."
Nancy Marks was part of a group that included representatives of Public Education Partners, a charity that she helps lead and has benefited from steeplechase proceeds over the years.
"I think they did a great job," she said, referring to the steeplechase organizers. "The horses looked great. I think they had a great turnout, and it was really well-managed and ... everybody in our group had a wonderful time."
Her group included several out-of-town visitors. "They really enjoyed getting a taste of what Aiken is all about," she said.
The annual event is a project of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, which dates back to 1930 and plays host to two steeplechase racing events sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association each year. The second is held in the fall, and the 2024 version is set for Nov. 23.
The organization, as described on its website, aims to "perpetuate the tradition of steeplechasing in Aiken and give back to the community through donations given to local charities," including such organizations as Aiken Sertoma Club, Helping Hands, Hitchcock Woods Foundation, The Cumbee Center, Public Education Partners and CanHope.
Sponsors of this year's festivities included such boosters as Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Honda Cars of Aiken, Budweiser, Aiken County Farm Supply, Maker's Mark and Queen Horse Bedding.
