Photojournalism: Aiken Fall Steeplechase brings out horses, hounds and more

Harrison Beswick on Evie’s Prince (left) and Bernard Dalton on Southpaw Mike during the first lap of the 3rd race. Staff photo by Cat Kingery

Date: November 19, 2023

The Aiken Fall Steeplechase was held on Saturday, Nov. 18. A sunny day welcomed the crowd who came out to watch the races. Photos by Cat Kingery

Graham Watters celebrates his win of the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Graham Watters (left) and Thomas Garner pose alongside each other, celebrating Watters’ win for the year. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Champagne fills the scene as Graham Watters cheers. Watters wins the 2023 National Steeplechase Association’s Rider of the Year. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Fellow jockeys Jamie Bargary (left), and Thomas Garner spray Graham Watters, celebrating his win of the 35,000 Holiday Cup at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase, ending the season with the National title. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
The trophies for winners of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Freddie Proctor on Total Joy (left), and Graham Watters on Kiyomori compete for the lead during the final race of the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Spectators watch the Aiken Fall Steeplechase from the stands. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Graham Watters and trainers celebrate his win of the 4th race at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
From left, Freddie Proctor on Total Joy, Thomas Garner on Our Boy Wes, and Graham Watters on Kiyomori completing hurdle during the first lap of the fifth and final race at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Conor Tierney reacts to his win of the 2nd race at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase.Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Full of excitement and energy, Conor Tierney and Oscar Winner quickly gallop towards the starting line to begin the 2nd race at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Conor Tierney mounts Oscar Winner and approaches the starting line at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Graham Watters crossing the finish line with Bellarmine Hall during the final lap of the first race of 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Graham Watters on Bellarmine Hall approaches the finish line during the final lap of the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Racers of the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase rushing by, with Bernard Dalton on Kenya Road in the lead during the first lap. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Racers jumping over a hurdle during the first lap of the first race. Mell Boucher on Scotty, and Bernard Dalton on Kenya Road competed for the lead. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
The parade of hounds at the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase was enjoyed by all watching. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Steeplechase patrons shopping within vendor tents on the inside of the racetrack. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Families attending the steeplechase decorate their spaces with assortments of food, drinks, and games. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Tailgate parties line the fences at Aiken Steeplechase 2023. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Aiken Steeplechase Patron sits at a table on the lower level of the John Stainbrook tower.. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Trainer Todd J Wyatt stands alongside horse Wicked West. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Frank Mullins shakes hands with horse trainer Todd J Wyatt. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Frank Mullins, president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, talks about the importance of the steeplechase and what it means for the city of Aiken. “This town was built around a horse. That’s why we’re here- because of horses, that’s how we grew! It’s really important to keep that aspect of Aiken alive, it makes us unique.” Staff photo by Cat Kingery
Horse trainers and caretakers bathing their horse in the early morning on race day of the 2023 Fall Aiken Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery
A horse caretaker bathes their horse in the early morning hours before the 2023 Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Staff photo by Cat Kingery

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