Lottery held for prime Steeplechase seats

Staff photo by Ben Baugh A lottery was held Saturday morning at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center for spaces at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase.

The excitement of Thoroughbred racing over national fences will once again return to Ford Conger Field at the Aiken Horse Park with the 43rd renewal of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase on March 21, the first sanctioned meet on the National Steeplechase Association circuit.

There was a strong turnout Saturday morning as Thoroughbred racing fans hoped to improve and upgrade their seating assignments for the Aiken Spring Steeplechase. A lottery was held at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center for four general admission railside spots, four subscriber railside spots and four second row spots.

The Aiken Spring Steeplechase is the most well-attended one day sporting event in Aiken, and it gives spectators and racing enthusiasts the opportunity to see some of the nation's premier Thoroughbred trainers, jockeys and horses.

The meet will feature six races on the day's card. The Imperial Cup, the day's feature race, will be sponsored by Southern Bank and Trust.

"It's a great opportunity to participate in a super event that takes place every spring," said John Miller. "We're just trying to improve our location, so we can see the horses up close and personal. We'll be sitting in the second row."

Randi Shandle came early with the hope of upgrading her seating.

"I'm so excited, that's why I bought the tickets for the Aiken Fall Steeplechase, because I wanted the chance to upgrade in the spring," said Shandle, who was shaking with excitement. "I wound up on 456, which is right on the infield by the Guarantor's Tent.

The Aiken Steeplechase Association office will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20.

General admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate; children 6 and under are free.

Ticket outlets carrying general admission tickets include Aiken Drug; Aiken Saddlery; Boots, Bridles and Britches; Floyd & Green; Ingate Professional Pharmacy; Lominick Pharmacy; H. Odell Weeks Activities Center; the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Plum Pudding; Southern Bank and Trust: Stoplight Deli and Unique Expressions.

For more information, call 648-9641, or visit www.aikensteeplechaseassociation.com.