We’re only eight days away from the 69^th Running of the Block House Steeplechase, being held at FENCE on Saturday, May 2.

Block House regulars have probably been planning their tailgates, outfits and special hats for weeks. If you’re a first-timer or you just need a reminder, here are the Block House basics to help you get onto the grounds and enjoy your day.

 

Is reserved parking still available?

Yes, parking spots are available for purchase now, online at www.blockhouseraces.com. You choose whether to receive your parking ticket via email or US Postal Service. Parking spots available prior to race day include tailgating spaces, the primo way to enjoy the races!

 

Are parking spots available on race day?

The only parking available to purchase on race day are Pasture Parking tickets; these spots are on FENCE property but off-course and a short walk to Gate 1. Pasture Parking tickets cover all passengers in a vehicle and can be purchased in advance for $50 online at www.blockhouseraces.com, or for $60 (cash only) at FENCE on race day.

Place your parking ticket on the dashboard of your vehicle and have all passengers get their hands stamped by a Kiwanis volunteer as you leave the parking area to walk to Gate 1.

 

Can I park on the side of the road?

No – FENCE is on a two-lane road in a residential neighborhood. Cars parked on the roadside will be towed at the owner’s expense.

 

Where should I enter the FENCE grounds?

If you’re a sponsor or have a reserved parking spot, the packet you received will have a color-coded entry ticket designating which of four gates you should use.

 

Can I just walk in?

You can have someone drop you off at the main gate to FENCE, although it’s not recommended due to traffic congestion. Walk-in tickets are $10 per person at the gate and do not include a parking spot. Walk-ins can bring folding chairs and coolers; glass bottles are discouraged. Food and drinks (non-alcoholic) will be for sale in the vendor area.

 

What is the day’s schedule?

Gates open at 10 a.m. and pre-race entertainment starts at 11 a.m. with the judging of the Tailgate Competition. The Hat Contest starts around 11:30 in front of the judge’s tower. Between 11 and noon, there will be exhibitions by area riding and carriage-driving groups.

Horses for the first race go to the paddock at 1:30 for a 2 p.m. start. Races run approximately every 30 minutes after that. After the last professional race, the Foxhunter’s Cup amateur race is run, followed by the last event of the day, the Stick Horse Races. Gates will close at 5:30 p.m.

 

What should I bring?

We recommend folding chairs; sunglasses, sunblock and a brimmed hat for sun protection; a light jacket or sweater in case the morning is cool; and a rain jacket if showers are forecast. Food and (non-alcoholic) drinks will be available for sale, or bring a cooler; glass is discouraged.

 

Is there a rain date?

Like NASCAR, the National Steeplechase Association has a lengthy circuit of events that makes setting rain dates impossible because they’d interfere with other scheduled races. Steeplechases run rain or shine, although individual horse owners, trainers and riders decide on their own horses’ participation.

 

Watch for the Tryon Daily Bulletin’s special Block House Steeplechase edition next Friday, May 1, for updated information and the names and backgrounds of Block House horses and jockeys. We look forward to seeing you at Polk County’s largest one-day annual event – the Block House Steeplechase!

For more information, ticket orders and parking reservations, visit www.blockhouseraces.com or call the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club office at 828-863-0480.

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-Submitted by Tryon Riding & Hunt Club