This weekend thousands made their way to the fields of Great Meadow in The Plains, VA to celebrate, spectate and of course tailgate their way through 90th running of the Virginia Gold Cup Races.
It was a perfect day. Blue skies, lush green field, a festive crowd, and a slew of inventive race day hats and tailgating fare. Of course there was also the thrill of the main event - one nose to nose, push the the finish, horse race after another.
If you missed all the fun, not to worry, TSG HC Art Director, Ann Marie Valenti, and yours truly made our way through the crowd to bring “A Day at the Races” to you...
Special thanks to our friends at the Great Meadow Foundation for allowing us a visit to The Summer House (we loved finding The Scout Guide Hunt Country on every table). We did make GMF, President, Rob Banner slow down long enough for a quick photo (below).
It was a blast to catch up with friends, like Jeri Jackson & family from Tri-County Feeds, Fashions and Finds (below).
Of course we also took time to splurge on the scrumptious goodies, sip a few cocktails, and take in a race (and the jaw-dropping view) from the spectator’s deck above - stunning!
Next we where off to visit our TSG Hunt Country friends from The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant at their tent on Member’s Hill. (Goodstone owner, Mark Betts and his talented chef, John Leonard pose for a quick photo with me below).
Our heart-felt thanks for the invitation. We were wowed by your hospitality, delighted by the delicious race day fare, and fell completely in love with your “soon-to-be world famous” - Goodstone Mint Julep!
We think it is safe to say, there was fun had by all. Every square foot of Member’s Hill was host to one fabulous tailgate after another. Wild, colorful sun hats (a race day essential) where out in full force, and spectators (of all ages) were dressed to impress.
A huge thank you to Ann Marie for capturing these fabulous photos of our day. Happy Gold Cup everyone. Here’s to next year!
