An age-old tradition continued in Aiken on Saturday, March 23, as horses flew over jumping obstacles in several races at this year’s Spring Steeplechase Race.
With five horse jumping races, live music, shops and more, locals flocked to the racecourse with chairs, boots and beverages in hand.
Despite windy and muddy conditions, patrons and vendors attended the event decked out in fancy hats, decorative shoes, jerseys and spring-themed dresses.
Whether families chose to tailgate or watch in stands, many were thrilled to witness horses speed across the course throughout the day.
Jockeys prepared to race as they trotted around the track in circular motions. Staff photo by Liz Wright.With hooves flying and reins rattling, horses bolted down the racecourse greenery as fans cheered on in excitement. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Jockeys barrel down the racecourse as excited onlookers holler in anticipation. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Staff photo by Liz Wright.Staff photo by Liz Wright.Prior to the start of another race, volunteers and trainers help prepare horses on the racetrack. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Jumping over obstacles, horses and their riders impress attendees throughout the day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Racers begin to slow as the horses prepare to end the race. Staff photo by Liz Wright.One-year-old Wells Vlahos enjoys the Aiken Steeplechase Race by stomping around in the mud and dirtying his boots with a smile on his face. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
However, other attendees were most looking forward to the event’s seasonal contests, including: the crazy hat contest, the most elegant hat contest and a crazy pants contest.
Held within the Budweiser Libations tent, several women and men lined up to receive crowd cheers in hopes of winning a basket of goodies.
For crazy hat contest winner Kay McClanahan-Hickman, a Steeplechase enthusiast, hat contests gave people of any age the chance to show off their creativity.
“It’s fun to get up there … it’s very nice and I like everything about it,” she said. “You have to create [the hats] and it shows ingenuity. For people my age, it’s always nice to do creative things and use your brain. It’s just good for me.”
Participating in various hat competitions and horse races, McClanahan-Hickman said she mostly enjoyed the community of people it brought together.
“I love the horses and the people. I have always had horses around me and that’s important to me,” she said. “But the people here, in South Carolina, are just wonderful.”
After losing her husband in October 2023, McClanahan-Hickman said this year’s race was the first event she chose to attend in trying to get “back out there.”
“It’s the first time I’ve worn it since he passed,” she said.
Mother Ainsley Marshall and her son Easton Marshall said they love attending the Steeplechase Race and competing in the hat competition so much they make sure to visit from Canada every year to attend.
“It’s just a lot of fun and the whole community is involved,” Ainsley Marshall said. “It’s just great to be a part of.”
For those who have never been to the bi-annual Steeplechase Race, Ainsley Marshall said she would advise people to come with an appetite and a thirst.
Competition contestants converse in the Budweiser Libations tent prior to the start to the crazy hat competition. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Crazy hat contestants line up and await their turn for judging. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Staff photo by Liz Wright.Several hat competitors smile as audience members and judges applaud. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Staff photo by Liz Wright.Kay McClanahan-Hickman smiles as crowds offer their overwhelming praise and cheer during the crazy hat contest. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Even children and mothers joined in on the Steeplechase fun as they modeled different hats. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Staff photo by Liz Wright.Kay McClanahan-Hickman celebrates her victory in the crazy hat competition after receiving a basket of goodies. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Easton Marshall smiles as he displays his entry for the crazy hat competition. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Contestants for the most elegant hat converse as they await the start of the competition. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Laughing, competitors enjoy their time on stage as friends and family members cheer loudly. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Contestants even show their support for each other as they also cheer and clap for their competitors. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Final competitors of the crazy pants contest smile as audiences clap and cheer for them. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Beside the hat competitions, vendors sold paintings, photos, hats, boots and more. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Liz Wright started with The Augusta Press in May of 2022, and loves to cover a variety of community topics. She strives to always report in a truthful and fair manner, which will lead to making her community a better place. In June 2023, Liz became the youngest recipient and first college student to have been awarded the Georgia Press Association's Emerging Journalist of the Year. With a desire to spread more positive news, she especially loves to write about good things happening in Augusta. In her spare time, she can be found reading novels or walking her rambunctious Pitbull.
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