The 65th Block House Steeplechase Races on April 23 will feature the amateur flat races. There will be two divisions thoroughbred and non-thoroughbreds. Started in 2004, this event has remained a crowd favorite.

The race is about eight furlongs (one mile) on the flat with a purse of $1,000 (split 60, 30 and 10 percent). Horses four years old and up which have not competed in a sanctioned race since July 1, 2010 will be allowed to race. Horses may be of any breed and will be subject to the same veterinary and drug inspections as those in sanctioned races.

Hopeful jockeys who have never ridden in a sanctioned race and who are at least 18 and not over 59 years old may enter. The field will be limited to eight entries. If organizers receive more than eight entries they will be drawn.

Additional horses also eligible entries will be drawn to fill the race in case of scratches. Divisions may also be combined if lack of entries warrant. Attire for the riders is as follows: ASTM approved protective headgear and body protector are required; boots and light colored breeches, jersey or polo shirt of choice.

The Foxhunters Cup race though a non-sanctioned race will be run under the National Steeplechase Associations Rules of Racing. The use of a whip is strictly forbidden. In order to be eligible to start, riders must attend two briefings, the first approximately four weeks before the race and the second approximately one week before the race.

Enter to become a part of Block House Steeplechase history.

Past winners:

2004: Megan OBrien – rider, Roll the Dice (TB) – horse;

2005: Suzie Kocher, Atticus Finch (TB);

2006: Suzie Kocher, True Phenomenon (TB);

2007: Suzie Kocher, Interpelador (TB);

2008: Helen Wilson, Greystones Squiffey (TB); Libby Arnold, Betsys Special Lace (QH);

2009: Jordan Hicks, Tiger Lion (TB); Libby Arnold, Betsys Special Lace (QH);

2010: Robert Arnold, Rush to Market (TB); Amanda Bilharz, Thirsty Lil Abbie (QH).

Entries must be submitted to the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club by March 10. TR&HC reserves the right to refuse any entry not deemed safe or suitable for this race.

Entry forms and more information are available on the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club website, www.trhcevents.org. For more information, call 828-859-6109.